A DRUNKEN man who swung a stick at a police officer and then headbutted him has been sent to jail for 18 weeks

Burnley magistrates heard how Christopher Durkin, 31, who went on to get into more trouble while on bail, had taken to drink and did not remember much about what he had done.

Stipendiary magistrate Jonathan Finestein told him the public must understand that police officers doing their duty, sometimes in difficult situations, had to be protected.

They were often at risk, often in danger, and if courts overlooked instances such as these, the public's confidence in the police would be undermined.

Mr Finestein added Durkin had previous convictions for assault causing actual bodily harm, damage and police assault -- and it seemed drink was a common factor.

Durkin, of Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, admitted being drunk and disorderly and police assault.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Durkin intervened in the arrest of a young woman.

He swung a walking stick at the officer's head and then headbutted him in the face.

On another occasion, he argued with bouncers outside a nightclub, took a fighting stance and squared up to them.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Durkin had suffered a nervous breakdown and accepted he took to drink.

That was the reason behind the offences.

He did not remember much about them, apologised and had spent time in custody.