A DRUNKEN man had to be remanded in custody so he could be put before a court in a sober condition.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Brian McCann, 34, had appeared at Hyndburn magistrates on a Friday in a drunken condition and been told to come back sober on Monday.

But the court heard that if anything he was in a worse condition and this time he was kept in the cells until Tuesday so he could appear not under the influence.

McCann, of Tarn Avenue, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Sparth Road. He was fined £50 which was set against the time he had spent in custody.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said McCann had been spoken to three times by police before they eventually arrested him.

He had been saying his dog was injured and asking the officers to take it to the vets. "At one stage he got down on all fours and demonstrated what was wrong with the animal," said Miss Bramley. He was abusive and using foul language and there were children in the vicinity."

The court was told McCann already owned the court £655 in fixed penalties issued by the police for drink-related offences.

Michael Blacklidge, defen-ding, said McCann lived alone save for two Patterdale terriers.

One of themhad been injured and it was concern over that animal he had been expressing to the police.