A FATHER-OF-TWO who swore at police and staggered in the doorway after trouble erupted at a pub was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

Burnley Magistrates were told how "family man" Brent John Stephen Lord, 36, was arrested after officers were called to a large scale fight at the Lord Nelson in Nelson on Sunday night.

He was unsteady on his feet, slurring his speech and "very verbal," the court was told.

Lord, of Colne Road, Brierfield, admitted being drunk and disorderly. An allegation of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour was withdrawn.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said around 9pm, police were called to the busy Lord Nelson and were told the landlord was closing the premises.

Several men had cuts, injuries and blooded clothing and most people left when asked to do so by the police.

Eight or ten men were standing around the bar being obstructive to officers and refusing to leave. Lord seemed to be unsteady on his feet, was slurring his speech and verbal. He was asked to moderate his behaviour and leave.

Mr Robinson said instead of going home, the defendant turned around and swore at police. He was staggering in the doorway, was asked to leave but carried on swearing. Lord was then put in the police van.

Brian Irlam, defending, said Lord did not accept he swore but acknowledged he got "a bit stroppy". For his sins, he was put in the back of a police van and spent time at the police station.

He was not involved in the fight at the pub but when police arrived, they "forcibly ushered," people out of the premises.

Lord had sought to persuade the police he should be allowed to finish his drink and get his coat but was not permitted. He got stroppy after being "forcibly ushered out" but did not use any industrial language.

Mr Irlam added the defendant was hard-working and apologised for his behaviour. The offence was an isolated lapse and not something to be repeated.