KEITH Richard Baldwin threatened to 'smack' a police officer in order to get arrested after he had been found hiding in a garden following a domestic dispute, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Baldwin told police that if he saw his wife again that night they would be coming again "but this time for murder."

Baldwin, 33, of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in the sum of £50 to keep the peace for six months.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said police had gone to an address in Cunliffe Close, Blackburn, where they spoke to members of Baldwin's family. They found Baldwin after a search of the gardens and he was clearly under the influence of alcohol.

John Dewhurst, defending, said Baldwin had left the matrimonial home after an argument with his wife. "He was very upset when the police spoke to him and he felt it was better he was arrested and spend the night in the cells rather than go home," said Mr Dewhurst.

"He has never been in trouble before, but in recent months things have got on top of him."