AN ex-soldier who spat repeatedly at a police officer was "wide eyed and grinding his teeth," a court heard.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Peter James Sawley, 23, spat straight in an officer's face, was abusive, aggressive and told him: "I will finish you."

Sawley, of Constable Avenue, Burnley, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on May last year. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge with £55 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said that in the early hours police on Parker Lane, Burnley, saw the defendant who was bleeding and had cuts and bruises.

He said he had been assaulted, police gave him advice and he became abusive and aggressive. He was told to calm down, swore and told the officers to do something about it.

Sawley was wide eyed and grinding his teeth and said there was going to be trouble. When told he was being arrested he spat in the officer's face.

The officer tried to take control of the defendant, but he again spat in his face. The policeman then thought he was going to be headbutted and struck out at Sawley, who spat at him a third time.

Mr Robinson said the defendant kicked out violently and was taken to the police vehicle. He again spat at the officer.

Sawley appeared drunk and his speech was slurred.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Sawley suffered from Aspergers Syndrome and did not always behave normally.

He had received no treatment for his condition which had caused significant problems. People treated him differently because he behaved differently and he had been bullied and teased. Sawley's mother thought community punishment was exactly what he needed. He would go out and work and see how people behaved in certain circumstances, but he could not be accepted on an order.