A POLICE sergeant was attacked as he tried to apprehend a teenager who had broken into the cricket club where the officer was chairman, a court was told.

Paul Stuart Denwood, 18, hit Sgt Stanley Heaton as the pair struggled after the defendant was found trying to raid the groundsman's hut at Lower-house Cricket Club, Burnley.

Denwood escaped, ran off and hid in a nearby garden.

When the householder came out to challenge him, he was hit too, Burnley magistrates heard.

The defendant, of Labur-nam Close, Burnley, admitted burglary with intent to steal and two counts of assault by beating. He was given 12 months supervision and must pay £300 compensation.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, said Sgt Heaton, who was off duty at the time, locked the hut at the club at about 4.50pm and 15 minutes later went back to it.

The court was told he heard the sound of breaking wood and could then see the bottom half of a person with his feet on the floor facing into the hut though a hole.

The intruder was wriggling, trying to get in or out and the officer immediately pulled him out, arrested and cautioned him.

Sgt Heaton took Denwood to a nearby bench and at that point the teenager was apologising and offering to do some work on the ground.

Denwood said he needed to get his bike, a struggle followed and the officer was trying to keep hold of the defendant.

Denwood's shoe came off and he swung his right arm, catching Sgt Heaton a glancing blow.

Mr Maude said Denwood made off and ran down Lowerhouse Lane.

Sgt Heaton was joined by two other club members and they went in search of the defendant.

Damage to the hut was valued at £200 and items inside had been moved in preparation for taking away.

Denwood hid in a garden and when the house occupant looked out and saw him he went outside and challenged him.

The defendant punched him in the head and stomach.

Denwood had 17 previous convictions, the court was told. Nick Dearing, for Denwood, said he had associated with young men who had particularly extensive criminal records and who regularly committed offences.

Whenever Denwood had been given a community order he had always done it.