A MAN punched a civilian jailer through a hatch in the cell door after being told it was not possible for him to make a phone call.

Blackburn magistrates heard that the female jailer was struck on the collar bone but did not need medical attention.

Colin Blair Campbell, 42, of Smalley Way, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assault. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months and ordered to pay £40 costs.

Daniel King, defending, said Campbell had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly but he wasn't guilty of that offence.

"At the police station he asked to speak to a solicitor and for someone to be informed of his position and these rights were declined," said Mr King. "It was after about three or four hours of asking for his rights to be exercised that he hit out at the jailer."