A POLICE officer was subjected to racist abuse when he took hold of a prisoner to prevent him lunging at another officer.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Liam Banks had already been placed in handcuffs and took exception to being searched when he made the racist remark.

And Neil Standage, prosecuting, said there was "absolutely no reason" why an officer going about his duty should be subjected to that kind of behaviour.

Banks, 19, of Burns Way, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the officer.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said the offence was "distasteful, disgusting and not to be tolerated."

"Those are my views, not those of the officer," said Mr Bakhat. "However my client had been drinking before this incident and now, in the sober light of day, he apologises sincerely for his behaviour."