POLICE called to a New Year's Day disturbance were met with a tirade of abuse from a man outside an address in Railton Avenue, Blackburn.

Blackburn magistrates heard that William Lee Thompson was on the street at 8.30 am because he had left the family home to calm down after an argument developed.

Thompson, 29, of Railton Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour.

He was fined £50 but because he had spent over 24 hours in custody the fine was deemed paid.

Clare Knight, defending, said the argument had started when his sister threw a drink over him.

"He has been in prison for over 24 hours for what is a non-imprisonable offence," said Miss Knight.