A HOSPITAL patient kicked-out at a £1,000 light before shouting homophobic abuse at a passing lesbian couple.

Christopher Jennings damaged a pathway light after discharging himself as a patient at Southampton General Hospital.

He then targeted two women with a barrage of homophobic abuse, which included using the insult “fat lesbians”.

The 34-year-old appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, where he was given a suspended sentence.

The court heard the incident began on the grounds of the hospital, on March 14.

As he attempted to leave the site, Jennings was seen kicking, pushing and damaging a ground light, belonging to the NHS, which was worth £1,000.

Prosecutor Rachel Standish told the court that Jennings then left the hospital site and approached two women, who he began to verbally abuse.

She said: “He started shouting out insults such as “fat lesbians”

then came back and approached the two women. He pushed one of the women hard in the chest.”

Ms Standish said one of the women had described the incident as “disgusting”.

Another victim said in a statement: “I get called names on a daily basis. It makes me upset and angry. After this incident my mental health has been all over the place.”

Defending Mark Rigby said his client was at the hospital after taking an overdose of prescription medication.

He said the incident happened while Jennings was still under the influence of the drugs – which he said had influenced Jennings’ “bizarre” behaviour.

Mr Rigby described Jennings’ actions as “abhorrent” and “unpleasant” but said he had shown genuine remorse and empathy to his victims, to whom he had written an apology.

Jennings, of International Way, Southampton, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, assault and two counts of abusive language.

Magistrates sentenced Jennings to a ten week prison sentence, which they suspended for 12 months.

As part of the order, Jennings must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation for the damage to the light and £200 to each of his victims, and £50 court costs.