A TEENAGER who refused to give a breath test after being stopped by police in the early hours was today awaiting sentence.

Burnley magistrates heard how Philip Palmer, 19, turned violent, tried to hit an officer and ended up being CS gassed.

Palmer, of Godley Street, Burnley, admitted failing to provide a specimen of breath, no licence, no insurance and resisting a police officer. He was given unconditional bail and an interim ban to face sentence today.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court police on Casterton Avenue, Burnley, began to follow a car driven by Palmer.

He was swerving from side to side and as he came to a junction in Brierfield, he nearly hit a kerb before swerving back towards the centre of the carriageway.

Officers tried to stop the defendant, but Palmer drove on.

He eventually came to a halt in Brierfield town centre. Palmer was asked what he had had to drink as he was very unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol. The defendant said he had had three pints of diesel - lager, cider and blackcurrant.

Mr Robinson said Palmer wouldn't give a breath test and became violent, thrashing out with both arms. He tried to hit a police officer and was gassed. The second burst of CS gas seemed to have an effect and Palmer was restrained and taken to the police station.

He did not provide a sample of breath and made four weak attempts to give a test. Palmer was asked if there was any medical reason why he could not provide a sample and he said there wasn't.

The defendant had no driving licence.