A MAN punched a female police officer in the face and the tried to put his hands around her throat as she attempted to arrest him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Keiron McKillop was pepper sprayed by a second officer before he could be handcuffed and arrested.

McKillop, 27, of Preston New Road, Pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker in the execution of her duty.

He was jailed for eight weeks and ordered to pay £122 victim surcharge of release.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said police were called by McKillop's mother to her home in Heather Bank, Burnley.

She said her son was causing trouble, kicking doors and refusing to leave. She told officers her son had been drinking all day having recently being released from a mental health ward.

A female officer took hold of his arm to handcuff McKillop but he twisted round and punched her in the face before trying to grab her throat.

Mark Williams, defending, the abuse of spice was the major problem in his client's life.

"He does have mental health problems which are exacerbated by his use of the drug," said Mr Williams.

"As soon as he is hospitalised and off spice his mental health improves dramatically.

"When he comes out he goes straight back on the drug and his mental health deteriorates again."

Mr Williams said McKillop had gone to his mother's address to get some of his money which was paid into her account but there was a problem and he lost control.