A MAN had to be sprayed with CS gas when he became aggressive towards police trying to arrest his wife, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Michael John Butterworth, 32, struggled violently with officers who had to strike his leg before he could be handcuffed.

Simon Farnsworth, defending, explained why Butterworth, of Lancaster Street, Blackburn, become so angry.

He said: "His wife has recently undergone surgery for lymph cancer and is virtually disabled in her right arm.

"The police took hold of her by the arm and he was shouting at them to let go.

"Any infection or damage to her arm could actually lead to amputation and he was very concerned and anxious the police should stop manhandling her."

Butterworth pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and using threatening behaviour. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report with a warning that custody should be the starting point.

Neil White, prosecuting, said Butterworth pushed a female officer to the floor and then adopted a fighting stance during the incident outside the Witton Inn, Blackburn.

Mr Farnsworth said Butterworth had been out with his partner and another couple and there had initially been a dispute involving the other couple.

Words were being exchanged outside the pub when the police became involved and took hold of Butterworth's partner.

Mr Farnsworth said his client claimed the police had his partner on her knees with a knee to the back of her head.

"The behaviour of the police has resulted in a formal complaint which is now being investigated by the Independant Police Complaints Authority," said Mr Farnsworth.