A Christmas night-out with friends lost its sparkle when a Ramsbottom man was arrested for pushing a policewoman, a court heard.

Kevin Butler (35), of Bolton Road North, Ramsbottom, appeared before magistrates at Bury where he admitted charges of public disorder and assaulting policewoman Donna Turner.

He was fined a total of £250 and ordered to pay £34 court costs.

Miss Lisa Hashmi, prosecuting, said Constable Turner was on mobile patrol in Bury town centre and became aware of a disagreement involving three men near Silver Street.

She drew up alongside and wound down her window to identify herself and ask what the commotion was about.

Butler told her what to do, using rude language. Once again she spoke to him, warning him about his language and again she received unwelcome advice, couched in bad language.

She told Butler he would be arrested but he walked off towards Moss Street. She followed and took hold of his arm but he pushed her back with both arms on her chest. He then went off towards Market Street where he was detained by another officer.

Defending solicitor Mr Simon Whittaker said Butler, a used motor dealer, was out with friends in the Bury area for a pre-Christmas night-out and he had only had five pints of Guinness.

He felt there had been nothing untoward in their behaviour when a car drew up, as he walked off to the train station, and the driver asked what he was doing.

Initially Butler did not know it was the police and he told the occupant it was none of her business.

The policewoman then asked what he was up to and he told her in no uncertain terms to mind her own business.

He felt he had not done anything wrong and he told the policewoman so.

When she took hold of his arm he pushed her away. The policewoman called for support and he was arrested.

"He did not struggle and he did not use further bad language. It was a very minor incident for which he has apologised. But he still can't understand why he was approached in the first place, " Mr Whittaker explained.