POLICE who returned a mobile phone they had found at the scene of an earlier disturbance were met with verbal abuse from an inebriated woman.

Blackburn magistrates heard Paula Radcliffe refused to engage with the officers and was eventually arrested for a breach of the peace.

Radcliffe, 41, of Coates Avenue, Barnoldswick, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in £100 to keep the peace for six months.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said police had responded to a call from a distressed female in the Holy Trinity Church area. They found a mobile phone on the pavement outside Gisburn Road Primary School.

“The defendant’s address was in the case and they went to return the phone,” said Mr Parker.

“She was clearly under the influence of drink or drugs and was abusive.”