AN ex-Royal Naval officer ended up spending a night in the cells after one too many at a mess dinner.

Burnley magistrates heard how plasterer Ian Wilkinson, 43, tried to punch a taxi driver and damaged the vehicle's doors.

Wilkinson, of Alexander Grove, Burnley, admitted damage and threatening behaviour. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, told to pay £500 compensation and £55 costs and was asked by the bench: "A very expensive night out, wasn't it?"

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant and a female got a taxi from Burnley to Padiham the early hours. Wilkinson was very drunk, fell into the taxi and after a short time went to sleep.

The woman tried to wake him up and ask him for some money but he shot up and started abusing the cabbie. He then lunged forward, tried to grab the driver, got out and started kicking at the back of the vehicle.

Stephen Banks, defending, said Wilkinson had no recollection of the incident whatsover.

He had attended a mess dinner for cadets, was not a regular drinker and was in an "advanced state of social confusion."