A POPULAR karaoke singer did not go down quite as well with the police when he took exception to the way they dealt with a man, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard that barman Brendan Morris, 20, who had earlier taken the microphone with acclaim in three Padiham pubs, was abusive to officers. He left a sergeant feeling threatened and in fear after he "swaggered" in front of him.

He smelled of drink, repeatedly swore and pulled away from the sergeant's grasp, the court was told.

The defendant, involved in trouble outside the Empire Wine Bar, Padiham, admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Morris, of Malvern Avenue, Padiham, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and told to pay £55 costs.

Philip Turner, defending, said Morris had a very good singing voice and had been popular in several pubs that night.

He had too much to drink and did not like the way the police were dealing with a man. He did not use violence, did not make threats of violence but regretted his demeanour and language.

The defendant's behaviour was out of character.