A MAN who took offence over police inquiries about a missing child ended up spending the night in the cells.

Burnley magistrates heard labourer David Robert Wilson, 30, was abusive to an officer and threatened him, leaving a group of nearby youngsters upset and sobbing.

Wilson, of Cotton Court, Colne, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £55 costs.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said police were making the inquiries in Brown Street, Colne, and an officer was talking to children in the street. The defendant, who smelled of drink, was swearing and was told to calm down. He became abusive towards the officer.

Dermot Woodhead, defending, said police had spoken to Wilson's eight-year-old niece and the child's mother felt he should not do that without her presence.

The officer responded in a manner which was "unfortunate," and abrupt and the defendant got involved.