A MOTOR mechanic was arrested by police after they saw him throwing punches at a teenage girl in the early hours.

Burnley Magistrates heard Gary Eastwood, 35, had pushed the girl across a pavement and shouted at her after the Colne Blues Festival.

Eastwood, of Lenches Road, Colne, admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and was fined £75, with £25 costs.

Sue Robinson, defending, said Eastwood had been out most of the evening, had enjoyed the festival and had had a lot to drink. He was making his way home when the girl started making comments about him. He responded with insulting comments and what the police saw was the defendant trying to push the girl away.

Miss Robinson said a police officer pushed the defendant up against a wall, was not prepared to listen to his explanation and handcuffed him.

Eastwood, who was self employed, spent about eight hours in a cell and had missed a morning of work.