POLICE who responded to reports of a woman causing problems found a man stripped to the waist with visible cuts to his stomach and arms.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jon Paul Chatwood refused to co-operate with police and was eventually pepper sprayed and tasered so officers could gain control.

Chatwood, 25, of Walsh Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Astley Gate and resisting a police officer on December 12. He was fined £80 with £32 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said when police arrived on Astley Gate they could see Chatwood had been self-harming and suspected he may be in possession of a knife. Despite the threat of being tasered he refused to comply with police requests. He was eventually placed on the floor but continued to resist the officers.

Gareth Price, defending, said Chatwood had been in the pub with his girlfriend and she became agitated.

"It was her behaviour that led to the police being called," said Mr Price.

"They were concerned my client may have been in possession of a knife, which he wasn't, and wanted to search him.

"For his trouble he was hit with a taser and pepper sprayed before being taken to the ground."