A PRISONER who spat in the face of a custody officer after a blaze was started in his police station cell, was told by a magistrate he had the manners of an animal.

William Alderson, 19, whose victim Group Four employee Helen Nelson felt sick after the attack, was sent to prison for three months by stipendiary magistrate Jonathan Finestein, sitting at Burnley Magistrates' Court, who said his behaviour had been shameful, degrading and offensive.

Mr Finestein added: "Courts will not allow this sort of behaviour to go on against police officers and anybody in a position of authority."

He said Ms Nelson had simply been doing her duty, dealing with the fire as a matter of urgency and Alderson had lost his temper. Mr Finestein said he did not say in the defendant started the fire, as if he had, he would have been charged with a more serious offence.

The magistrate added the defendant had a dreadful record, which included 18 months custody for wounding, and two offences of police assault.

Alderson, of Thomas Street, Colne, admitted assault and violent behaviour in a police station.

John Wood, prosecuting, said Alderson had been dealt with by the court earlier in the day. The Group Four officers saw smoke coming from the cell area and went to open the hatch of the cell the defendant shared with two others. She spoke to Alderson, who spat in her face, covering her eyes and nose. Alderson was violent and had to be restrained.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said Alderson did not start the fire and was upset after he was sprayed with a fire extinguisher after the cell door had been burst open.