AN off duty police officer socialising with friends received a call from his son to say some teenage males were causing trouble outside the Clitheroe house where his daughter was having a sleep over.

Blackburn magistrates heard when the officer arrived at the house the lads were abusive and threatening towards him and one of them swung a punch at him.

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Callum Joseph Fairclough, 19, of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to assaulting Gary Simkin. He was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £25 compensation, £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

The court heard Fairclough, who had no previous convictions, had initially been offered a caution on condition he paid £25 compensation but he had failed to make the payment.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the officer could clearly see the youths outside the house had been drinking. They were causing a nuisance and neighbours were on the street.

The punch swung by Fairclough connected with the officers face at which point he took hold of Fairclough and detained him until uniformed officers arrived.

Scott Parker, defending, said if Fairclough had paid the £25 in the first place he wouldn't have appeared in court and would not have had a criminal record.

"He hasn't got a great recollection of the incident," said Mr Parker.