A YOB vandalised an ambulance — putting lives at risk — because he blamed paramedics for the death of his mother two weeks earlier, a court heard.

Christian Tyldesley, aged 21, threw stones and spat at an ambulance as a paramedic was treating a toddler for burns in St Matthew’s Walk, Halliwell.

The vandal, of Weston Street, Great Lever, who had been drinking, also let air out of one of the vehicle’s tyres.

Tyldesley, who has no previous convictions, told Bolton Magistrates Court: “I did not know what I was doing at the time. I know it is sick and outrageous.

“I am very disappointed in myself and I am sorry for what I have done.”

The court heard Tyldesley carried out the attack in revenge.

Two weeks before the incident on November 8, Tyldesley found his alcoholic mother struggling to breathe, and called an ambulance.

But she died before paramedics arrived, and he blamed them for her death.

He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was sentenced to 220 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to the ambulance service.

Eddie Keane and Becky Doughty, the mother of 23-month-old Leah, who was being treated by paramedics when the attack happened, were at court yesterday.

Tyldesley apologised to them both outside court and Miss Doughty said she was prepared to forgive and forget — until she saw him laughing as he left the courtroom.

The 24-year-old said: “I could not believe it. That has made me so angry. I don’t think he is sorry for what he has done at all.”

After the hearing, Tyldesley told The Bolton News: “I am sorry to the paramedics and my family and anyone else this could have affected.

“I realise I could have killed someone by messing about with the ambulance. I am not a bad person and I have learned my lesson and will do my punishment.”

When asked why he laughed when leaving the courtroom, he replied: “It was a relief because I was not being sent to prison. It is not that I find what I did funny. I think what I have done is disgusting and sick.”

Ged Blezard, North West Ambulance Service head of service for Greater Manchester, said: “The Trust welcomes the sentence. It is shocking that anyone could vandalise an ambulance whilst the emergency crew is treating a sick patient.”

amanda.smith@theboltonnews.co.uk