A man who was obsessed with the police, and dressed up as an officer to be treated quicker at hospital, has been handed a community order.

Paul Lesley Lee, 44, told staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary he was a Special Constable and was having head pains after recently saving someone from drowning.

Bradford magistrates were yesterday told Lee, of Higher Downs, Fairweather Green, Bradford, went to the hospital for treatment at 10.10pm on August 5.

Prosecutor Carmen Sobande said Lee was wearing a full police uniform and a harness containing a police baton, handcuffs and radio.

He was given a cubicle but suspicious staff alerted police. Lee told officers he was working for the Ministry of Defence at Thornbury barracks. He then admitted he was not a police officer and had worn the uniform to be treated quicker.

Miss Sobande said Lee was arrested for impersonating a police officer. When officers searched his house they found items of police uniform, including three fleeces, two high visibility jackets, one with the words ‘dog handler’ on it, two stab vests, one with the West Yorkshire Police badge sewn on to it, a hat and a helmet, along with police accessories, like radios and badges. He had obtained the items on e-bay.

He also had a badge with Special Constable 6114 Lee on it.

Miss Sobande told the court: “He admitted having an obsession with the police and military, and had desires to be a police officer but was fully aware this wasn’t possible.”

Lee, had pleaded guilty to impersonating a police officer and possessing an offensive weapon, the baton.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with supervision, and will be required to attend a thinking skills programme. He was ordered to pay £60 towards the prosecution costs and forfeit the baton for destruction.