A DRUNKEN teenager grabbed and twisted a police officer's testicles as he was arrested in the early hours of New Year's Day, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Shaun David Graves, 19, who had been to a party, left his victim in pain throughout the rest of his shift.

Graves, of Waidshouse Road, Nelson, admitted police assault and police obstruction.

Magistrates told the defendant the starting point for what he had done was custody, but he had been doing well on a current community order and had apologised.

Graves was given a four month curfew, between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week and must pay £100 compensation and £60 costs.

Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, told the court that at about 1.30am, police went to a disturbance and the defendant was warned about his behaviour.

Graves was asked to move away and go back to his friend's house next door, but refused and was told he would be arrested.

She said that Graves started to abuse the officers and as he was about to be handcuffed he grabbed the roof of the police van and tried to pull himself up.

Mrs Chappell said the defendant hung from the roof, kicking out at officers.

Police managed to get Graves on the ground and an officer knelt beside him as he continued to shout abuse and make threats.

She said that Graves then grabbed the officer's testicles and twisted them.

Mrs Chappell said the defendant was eventually put in the police van.

He later told officers he had been drinking beer and spirit shots. He claimed he had been "ragged about" by the police.

John Rusius, defending, said Graves had been at the party and the police knocked a door off its hinges. It flew against him and hit him.

He said the defendant told the officers they shouldn't be doing that without a warrant but was told to shut up. He was pushed out of the door as he went next door and accepted he swore.

Mr Rusius claimed Graves was grabbed by his arms, five officers were on him and he was in pain. He assaulted the officer in a moment of madness.