A St Albans man is alleged to have attacked two police officers at Watford General Hospital where he had been taken following his arrest.

Kevin Murphy is said to have turned violent after being told he couldn't use his mobile phone.

St Albans crown court was told Mr Murphy was under arrest for allegedly attacking a woman friend at her flat days ealier, harassing her and hurling racial insults at her neighbour.

On Friday Murphy, 37, of Russett Drive, pleaded not guilty to attempting to commit grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two offences of damaging property, putting a person in fear of violence by harassment, racially aggravated intention to cause harassment, alarm and distress and two offences of assault by beating.

The jury heard how Mr Murphy and the woman had a brief relationship last summer which centered on their interest in gym work outs.

But on July 14 last year he became unwell through drinking to many energy drinks and went to hospital.

It was then decided he would stay at the woman's flat in Hill End Lane for a few days Nathan Rasiah prosecuting said on the evening of July 18 last year the couple watched DVDs together before she went to bed.

The court heard she woke the next morning to find the defendant attacking her in her bed screaming at her "This is my disorder coming out in me".

Mr Rasiah said Murphy had the woman pinned down on the bed and continued shouting at her "This is what happens when I get rejected".

As the violence continued Murphy even attempted to ignite a can of hairspray with the aid of a lighter, but was unsuccessful.

He punched the woman telling her he would kill her if she called the police The posecutor said he grabbed a knife and was grinning at her like a "mad man".

The court heard she was eventually able to escape and the defendant left the flat.

However the court was told how in the hours that followed he bombarded her with telephone calls.

The jury were told that the day after the attack on the woman, Murphy came back to her flat. She wasn't at home and a neighbour heard him calling out to her and asking to be let in.

When the neighbour suggested he phone her, Murphy hurled a racial insult at her, said the prosecutor. The court was told how during the day Murphy made 150 calls to the woman who was intent on keeping out of his way.

He even insulted her using Facebook, said Mr Rasiah.

Judge John Plumstead hearing the case was told the defendant was finally arrested on July 21 last year and because of his condition was taken to Watford General Hospital where he remained overnight.

The court was told it was when it was decided he could be discharged that he turned violent and assaulted a male police officer and his female colleague who had been sent to the hospital to guard him.

The case continues.