A MAN who believed his younger brother was in trouble turned up outside a pub to find him being bundled into a police van.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Elliot kicked off with the officers and ended up being arrested himself.

Elliot, 33, of St Philips Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour, obstructing a police officer and failing to answer bail.

He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said police were called to the Moorgate pub after a report of men fighting.

The crowd was dispersed and left the area but shortly after the police were called back as a man tried to get back into the pub.

“As the officers were dealing with him the defendant turned up and said they were not going to arrest him as he had done nothing wrong,” said Mr Parker.

“Threats were made and the defendant was taken to the ground.

“The three officers who were present were surrounded by about 15 men and the defendant continued to struggle and be aggressive.”

Mr Parker said as he was being placed in the back of a van Elliot spat towards the officers but it hit the cage.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had been at home on Christmas Day when he received a call to say his 16-year-old brother was involved in a dispute.

“He went to the pub to try to calm the situation and make sure his brother was all right,” said Mr Taylor.

“When he got there the police were putting his brother in the van and he tried to explain that he was only 16 years old.”

Mr Taylor said as a result of his arrest Elliot spent the rest of Christmas Day in a police cell.

“He also received a fractured cheekbone during his arrest and now thinks perhaps he should have stayed at home,” said Mr Taylor.