A schizophrenic who attacked two police officers after a bad night out is awaiting sentence by Burnley Magistrates.

The court heard angry Martin McAlpine, 28, left a policewoman with a bruised and swollen eye and nose and she had to go to hospital. Her male colleague also suffered discomfort after the defendant lashed out in Burnley town centre.

McAlpine, of Carleton Road, Burnley, admitted two charges of police assault and one of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on February 25.

He was bailed until May 10, for a psychiatric report.

Cathy Allen, prosecuting, told the court that McAlpine gesticulated to police as he walked past and they followed to speak to him. He became aggressive and abusive, clenched his fists and took a boxing stance.

McAlpine was told to calm down, but started to lash out and WPC Gillian Storey got hold of his arm.

He punched her in the face knocking her backwards.

The other officer got hold of the defendant and they ended up on the floor as a crowd gathered.

Miss Allen said WPC Storey went to casualty and was given painkillers. McAlpine had tried to strike the other officer after he had gone to her aid and he had a grazed knee, redness and swelling.

James Young, defending, said McAlpine had been out with his girlfriend and some friends, there was a misuderstanding and he decided to go home.

He would say the police officers asked him what he was looking at and all he had wanted to do was go home as he had had a bad night. They stopped him and he accepted he started shouting and arguing.

Mr Young went on: "He accepts he caused injuries to both officers, accepts his actions were wrong and he apologises."

The solicitor added the defendant was on medication and was getting help from the mental health team.

He formerly worked as a builder but had to give it up due to stress. Mr Young added: "If he is sent to custody, he wont get the help he needs."