A MAN with a history of attacking police officers hit one with a bottle when he was disturbed taking part in a burglary.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officer involved had previously been threatened with an axe by James Lee Cropper.

Cropper, 35, of Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall, pleaded guilty to burglary at Bacup Cricket Club and theft of cash and alcohol and assaulting an emergency worker. He was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced.

District Judge John Maxwell said the offences were far too serious to be sentenced in the magistrates court.

"He hit a police officer on the head with a bottle and has previously threatened the same officer with an axe," said District Judge Maxwell. "It is as serious an assault on an emergency worker as I have come across in many a year."

Phillip Turner, defending, said his client had been leaving the building when he was surprised by the sudden appearance of the officer.