A PLASTERER who attacked his friend in the Black Bull pub set off home when police were called - but was then arrested for drink-driving.

Burnley magistrates heard how Ryan James Harrison, 23, who tried to scale a six-foot fence but fell off, turned out to be more than three times the limit.

Harrison, of Grassington Drive, Burnley, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and driving with excess alcohol, on January 7. He was fined £450 with £50 costs, and banned for 28 months.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, told the court Harrison had put his hands around a man's throat, his friends pulled him away and things appeared to calm down.

About five minutes later Harrison put out his hands as if to shake hands with the other man, the other man appproached, they shook hands, but he slipped and they both fell over. Harrison went to the toilet, but then walked up to the man at the bar and headbutted him. The victim just seemed to stand there as if in shock.

Mrs Campbell said police were called and caught up with Harrison's vehicle.

He got out, ran off, and was chased by an officer. He tried to climb a fence, but fell backwards and was arrested. A breath test revealed 109 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Trevor Grice, defending, said Harrison would regularly call at the pub near his home after work. He would have a few beers, leave his van and walk home. His relationship with his girlfriend had broken down, he had been depressed and sought solace in drink. Mr Grice said the assault victim did not make a complaint as he was a friend of Harrison's and they had argued over a pint of beer.