A DRUNKEN schoolgirl slapped an officer's face after police were called to a disturbance in Padiham, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how the 15 year old from Padiham was abusive and swore and ended up being forced to the ground as she struggled.

The teenager admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and police assault.

She was given a six month referral order under which she and her mother have to attend meetings with the Youth Offending Panel. A plan of action will then be drawn up which the defendant has to sign and which is designed to stop her committing crime. The girl was also ordered to pay £20 compensation and £60 costs.

Julie Reddish, prosecuting, said the incident occurred after police went to the late-night disorder which involved a number of youths, on Burnley Road, Padiham.

John Nuttall, defending, said the girl claimed her sister had been assaulted. When police arrived, she was even more aggrieved as it seemed her party was spoken to by police when they had done nothing wrong.