A man who was caught drinking twice in a prohibited area of Blackburn town centre denied that he had been drunk.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Lee Deacon accepted he had been loud and abusive towards the police officer who had confiscated his can of cider and let him go on his way the first time.

Deacon, 46, of Jays Properties, Bolton Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months with £85 costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

A charge of being drunk and disorderly was withdrawn.

Victoria Forrest, prosecuting, said Deacon was first seen in Fleming Square, which is part of a Public Spaces Protection Order, on August 6.

"Among other things, that prohibits the consumption of alcohol," said Miss Forrest.

"The officer spoke to him because he had an open can of cider in his hand. He handed the alcohol over but was shouting and swearing.

"Having handed the drink over the officer decided to take no further action."

Later the same day the same officer came across Deacon again and he was drinking.

"This time he was very loud and started shouting and swearing at the officer," said Miss Forrest.

Gareth Price, in mitigation, said his client had always maintained that he wasn't drunk.

"He was arrested on a warrant on Saturday morning and has spent two days in custody for what is a non-imprisonable offence," said Mr Price.