AN early hours fight on a petrol station forecourt ended with a mother of two screaming abuse at police and members of her family.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Winifred Ward, 27, had been warned by police about her behaviour, but became very irate and was arrested.

Ward, of May Street, Nelson, admitted being drunk and disorderly and was fined £35 and ordered to pay £55 costs

Brian Irlam, defending, said Ward and her co-habitee, who, it was alleged, had assaulted her, had separated.

The defendant had been to her sister's birthday party, had more drink than was appropriate and left intending to go home.

Her former partner was lying in wait, there was a confrontation between him and other family members and Ward became involved.

She became agitated, there was a certain amount of abuse, but Ward denied swearing at any of the police officers.

The situation would not have arisen had she not met her former co-habitee and the defendant deeply regretted it.