A female police officer was put in a headlock by a drunken man who had been causing trouble outside two Accrington pubs.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officer's female colleague was also assaulted by Krzysztof Szczepankowski who was eventually restrained when other officers arrived.

Szczepankowski, 52, of Queen Street, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting an emergency worker. He was made subject to a Community Order for 12 months, 15 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 120 days Alcohol Abstinence Requirement. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to each of the officers.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said police officers should not have to put up with being assaulted by people like the defendant.

"I do accept these offences were out of character and that you have shown genuine remorse," said District Judge Preston. "You assured the probation officer who interviewed you that you have not touched a drop of alcohol since this incident in May and the tag will monitor that."

Nicola Mills, prosecuting, said police were initially called to The Stanley pub on Blackburn Road where the defendant was causing issues with door staff. He had moved to the Nags Head where members of the door staff told them he had thrown a glass in the Stanley.

When the officers tried to arrest him he lashed out violently and they had to use pepper spray.

During the struggle one of the officers was put in a headlock and the other was grabbed by the wrist.

Szczepankowski, who was not represented, said he was very sorry for his behaviour and wished to apologise.