A DISPUTE over a bus fare escalated into a row and ended with Alexander Amour being arrested and spending 20 hours in a police cell.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Amour had proffered a £10 note when he tried to board a bus in Darwen and a stand off situation developed when the driver said he had no change and Amour refused to get off.

Amour, 50, of Anchor Avenue, Darwen, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said that when police arrived at Darwen bus station Amour was being refused entry to the bus but he was refusing to move from the door.

She said he was swearing continuously and making racial comments.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Amour accepted he had been drinking but had initially quite properly proffered a £10 note for his bus fare.

"The bus driver said he had no change and it degenerated from there," said Mr Blacklidge.

"My client has been in custody for 20 hours and, not having been in trouble for over two years, there seems to be no reason why he couldn't have been released on bail."