A MAN heading home to Nelson after being released from Preston Prison made it as far as Blackburn before being arrested.

East Lancashire magistrates heard police were called after Christopher Costello was trying to fight with staff at Blackburn railway station.

By the time they arrived he had moved to Church Street where he was trying to enter the Mall and being abusive towards security staff who were refusing to let him.

Costello, 56, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Church Street. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £21 victim surcharge.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said Costello had smashed a bottle at the railway station.

"When he was challenged by the police he spat in their general direction which is particularly unpleasant in the current circumstances," he said.