A DRUNKEN man who refused to get off a bus was abusive to staff and then police, magistrates heard.

Paul McLaughlan, 26, had been found slumped on the back seat by officers.

There was a strong smell of urine and a bottle of blue alcopop was open on the floor with the contents spilling out. The early afternoon bus, which had two elderly passengers on board, was held up for 15 minutes.

McLaughlan, of Bankhouse Road, Nelson, admitted being drunk and disorderly at Nelson Bus Station, on January 25.

He was given a six-month conditional discharge and must pay a £15 victim surcharge.