A MAN launched into a tirade of abuse towards officers who were arresting him because he was wanted on prison recall.

Blackburn magistrates heard the comments made towards one officer were racially aggravated and upsetting for the officer.

Kyle Andrew Cook, 29, of the Salvation Army, Heaton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards PC Blackshaw and racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards PC Emam. He was given a conditional discharge after the magistrates heard he had been recalled to prison.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Cook was in Blackburn town centre with three other men and police went to speak to them. A check revealed that Cook was wanted and when they arrested him he became abusive.

"He said some vile things to the officers about them and their parents and some of the comments made to PC Emam were racist," said Mrs Mann.

Ian Huggan, defending, sad his client knew his behaviour was unacceptable and wished to apologise.

"The words he used were highly unpleasant but it did not go beyond verbal abuse," said Mr Huggan. "He was mouthing off and didn't do anything about it."