A MAN who attacked his social worker and a police employee after putting hospital staff and patients in fear for their safety faces a prison sentence.

Harrogate magistrates heard yesterday how Jonathan Fieldhouse's behaviour last Sunday and Monday, during which he was twice arrested at the town's district hospital, put him in breach of an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

The Asbo was imposed in January after a string of offences, including affray, threatening behaviour, damage, shop theft and skipping bail.

The order bans Fieldhouse, 26, from getting drunk and taking drugs in public places and from using threatening, intimidating or abusive behaviour likely to put people in fear of violence being used.

It also insists he does not harass members of his family or cause nuisance to neighbours.

Allan Armbrister, prosecuting, said Fieldhouse, who had gone to the hospital's Briary Unit on Sunday as an out- patient, turned hostile and threatened members of staff.

Police arrested him but, after he had spat in the face of civilian detention officer John Davidson, he was bailed so he could return to the hospital.

The next day, Fieldhouse was back in custody after prolonged threats to hospital staff who were worried about other patients.

He was accompanied to the police station by social worker David Rogers, but Fieldhouse had suddenly turned and hit him in the face.

In mitigation, Stephen Culleton said Fieldhouse had profound difficulties. He said: ''I recognise he is a nuisance to other people, but does he know he is?

"The police are convinced he does and say he fuels himself up with drink and drugs and goes off and commits offences.''

After two hours of deliberation, court chairman Bernadette Reid told Fieldhouse the court's powers - a maximum of 12 months in prison - were not considered sufficient. He was remanded in custody and will appear at York Crown Court for sentence next month.