DRUNKEN Liam Scott picked the wrong name to give police when he was arrested after officers came upon two men fighting in the street.

Blackburn magistrates heard the name he gave was that of the other man who had also been arrested and was in the same police station.

Scott, 26, of Fecitt Brow, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and obstructing a police officer. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months, fined £50 and ordered to pay £70 costs. Phillip Potter, prosecuting, said Scott had given the name Stephen McAlease when he was asked for his details at Blackburn police station. He said: "It soon became apparent he was not being entirely honest because the police already had Mr McAlease in the cells." Nigel Holden, defending, said Scott had been celebrating his birthday with Mr McAlease and they were the two men involved in the disturbance in Darwen Street.

He said: "He had drunk a great deal and can't remember too much. For his stupidity in giving his friend's name he has spent the best part of two days in the police cells."