A MAN who failed to heed a warning ended up assaulting a police officer who was arresting him for being drunk and disorderly.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ryan James Walker was being placed in the back of a police van when he threw himself forward and knocked the officer into the door.

Walker, 25, who gave a care of address in Edisford Road, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly in Clayton Street, Blackburn. He was ordered to pay £225 compensation to the officer.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, said police were initially called to reports of a disturbance outside the Salvation Army Hostel on Heaton Street. When they got there the men involved had moved on to the town centre were the police caught up with them.

"The defendant was being obnoxious and ignoring instructions to leave the area," said Miss Vallance.

"He eventually walked off but a short time after a CCTV operator monitoring the town centre reported a fight taking place between two men.

"The same officers went to the scene and found the defendant fighting with another man and he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly."

Miss Vallance said as the officer was putting Walker into the back of the van he caught her on the shoulder knocking her into the van door. She suffered a swollen eye and a bump to the back of her head.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had experienced a number of difficulties.

"He had been in a relationship with a lady in Manchester since his release from prison but then spice reared its ugly head and the relationship broke down," said Mr Taylor.

"He came back to this area looking for accommodation. He was homeless and having difficulties with his finances."

Mr Taylor said the assault of the officer was reckless rather than deliberate.

"He was being put into the van in a way that wasn't comfortable and he moved forward to avoid being in pain," said Mr Taylor.

"Her accepts he caught the officer and she fell forward."