POLICE responding to a report of a disturbance were confronted by a shirtless man.

Blackburn magistrates heard Simon Dowsing was clearly drunk and told the officers that if they came near him he would “box your face.”

Dowsing, 47, of Pansy Street South, Accrington, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Pansy Street South.

He was given a conditional discharge for 18 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

Janet Sime, defending, said her client had serious problems with alcohol but had been abstinent since his last appearance in court in 2021.

“Earlier this year his aunt developed dementia and then his uncle died very suddenly,” said Miss Sime.

“He was very close to them and he found it very difficult. On the night of this offence he had a drink and ended up being arrested.”