A DRIVER ended up in the cells after a Christening led to a bus station rumpus, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Stephen King, 28, thumped a police officer in the face and had to be restrained with the help of the custody sergeant.

King, who has no previous convictions, was said to be very upset and embarrassed by his court appearance and the loss of his good character.

The defendant, of Goodall Close, Earby, admitted being drunk and disorderly and police assault and was given 60 hours community punishment, with £100 compensation and £55 costs. The bench told him the punch was deliberate although not premeditated.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said mounted police went to Burnley bus station where they saw a bus inspector and two men arguing. The men were shouting at the inspector and one of them pushed him.

An officer tried to speak to King but he was extremely abusive. When he was taken hold of by the collar, the defendant was flailing his arms about and shouting to the inspector: "I will have you."

Mr Snape said King grabbed the reins of a police horse and he was later arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

King was still in quite an aggressive mood and swearing and was taken to a holding cell at the police station. An officer partially closed the door, but the defendant pushed it open and tried to get out. The officer stopped him and was struck in the face near his eye. King was taken to the floor and restrained.

Nick Dearing, defending, said King worked 60 hours a week and did not often drink. He had been to a Christening and he and his brother were trying to get back to Earby.

His recollection of what happened was rather patchy. He remembered being at the police station. He had not been there before, was upset at being put in a cell and wanted to get out.