A YOUNG woman described as "barefoot and hysterical" was arrested outside her own home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Louise O'Brien claimed she was trying to protect her family and became enraged when police would not listen to her.

O'Brien, 20, of Sussex Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly. She was made subject to a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £22 victim surcharge.

Katie Lord, prosecuting, said police received a report of an alleged assault in Brunel Walk, Blackburn. O'Brien was being loud and abusive, running around shouting that she hadn't done anything.

"The male who was the alleged victim of the assault didn't want to make a complaint" said Miss Lord.

"The defendant was barefoot and hysterical and had to be arrested."

O'Brien, who was not represented, said she had a couple of drinks with a couple of friends when her mother's ex-partner turned up.

"I had been drinking and I was angry but I felt I wanted to protect my family," said O'Brien.

"The officer wasn't listening to what I was saying and that was when I got even more angry. I haven't taken a drop since that night."