A LANDSCAPE gardener who attacked a police officer in a melee outside a nightclub was protecting his war-wounded brother, a court heard.

Neil Stevenson, 27, had been to a Help the Heroes function with brother, Greg, who lost both his legs in Afghanistan in March last year.

Greg had been upset and the pair had then gone out in Colne.

Mr Stevenson was treated less then diplomatically by a bouncer, got into an altercation, police were called and he had been pushed by an officer and fallen off his false limbs.

The defendant thought the police had been over zealous with his brother, the hearing was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Mr Stevenson had squared up to the officer, the officer tried to restrain him and the defendant jumped on his back, put his arm around the officer’s neck and punched him.

The victim was left with a bleeding lip and other injuries.

Stevenson, of Lowther Lane, Foulridge, admitted police assault.

He was fined £100, with a £15 victim surcharge, and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £35 costs.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said at 2.10am on April 11, police were called to a disturbance outside Zebras.

Stevenson put his arm around the officer’s neck, choking him and pulling him backwards.

He then hit him twice in the arm and once in the face.

The defendant was arrested. He was interviewed, apologised and said he was trying to protect his brother, who had been “in a bad place” from the world.

David Lawson, defending, said Greg’s injuries had had a great impact on his brother. The defendant lived with his brother.

Stevenson had seen the deterioration in his brother on a daily basis.

The pair had been to a Help the Heroes function at the New Inn, Foulridge, and Greg became distressed.

He wanted to stay out and have a few drinks.

Mr Lawson said Greg got involved in an altercation and Stevenson stepped in to protect his brother.

A police officer pushed Greg away and he fell over on his back.

The solicitor added: “It's quite obvious he has false limbs.”

Greg squared up to the officer, the officer tried to restrain him and the defendant got on his back.”

Greg received a fixed penalty.