A 20-YEAR-OLD Colne man described as "extremely polite and courteous" when traffic police stopped him for a breathalyser test suddenly flipped and attacked an officer.

Blackburn magistrates heard William Hogg leaned over from the back seat of the patrol car and began punching the officer in the head.

He then climbed through the seats and continued flailing about with his arms and legs, catching the officer several times in the face.

Hogg, of Skipton Road, pleaded guilty to police assault, driving without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence.

He was ordered to do 60 hours of community punishment and fined £100, with £50 compensation, and £75 costs.

Sophie Lorimer, prosecuting, said Hogg had been stopped driving in Preston New Road and was placed in the patrol car after failing the roadside breath test.

"Without warning he launched several punches at the officers head saying 'have some of this'," said Mrs Lorimer.

"The officer radioed for assistance but as he was doing this Hogg launched more punches and leapt between the front seats, lashing out with his feet."

She said the officer needed assistance from a colleague to handcuff Hogg who later passed the police station breathalyser.

Debbie Morgan, defending, said the officer's statement referred to Hogg being polite and courteous at first.

"He can only explain his behaviour by the fact that he was extremely emotional that night," said Miss Morgan.

"His then girlfriend had told him she was pregnant and that she was going to have a termination.

"A friend of hers said she planned to go through with the pregnancy and he just didn't know who to believe.

"He was extremely emotional and believes that may have affected his behaviour."