A SOCCER thug already banned from attending matches for four years has escaped another ban after threatening rival fans.

Clarets supporter and ex-convict Philip Holmes, 41, said to be mentally unstable, ended up in police cells for the night after goading Blackpool fans, although he claimed he was just having some banter.

Holmes, whose solicitor described his behaviour as stupid, said he had ignored police warnings and had been swearing and abusive in public.

Holmes was fined £150, with £55 costs, after admitting threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on Tuesday, September 10.

The defendant, formerly of Burnley and now of Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth, was told by the bench they were not going to impose another football banning order, or extend his present one, as bad language not violence was used and it had not taken place at a match.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said police were on patrol on Yorkshire Street, Burnley, near the Clog and Spindle pub before the match between Burnley and Blackpool.

The defendant came to the front door of the pub and was shouting and swearing towards the rival fans. They ignored him but he continued to gesture towards them to try and and provoke some reaction. An officer told him to stop and go back into the pub.

The prosecutor said about 20 minutes later some more Blackpool supporters were walking past the pub when the defendant again made his way to the door, swore and shouted to them: "I will do you all."

Holmes was again warned and told he would be arrested. When cautioned, he told police: "Oh come on, let me go and I will go home."

Mr Snape said the defendant had six previous convictions for threatening behaviour, and one for violent disorder.

Three weeks ago he was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order after being convicted of affray at Preston Crown Court.

Nick Dearing, defending, said the community rehabilitation order included pyschiatric treatment. Holmes was mentally unstable and on incapacity benefit.

He had been on the medication ativan for 17 years although it should only be prescribed for about a month.

Holmes accepted he had been drinking the night of the offence. He would dispute the words attributed to him and said he was having some banter with some Blackpool fans he had met earlier.

The defendant accepted it may seem a "bit over the top" and also acknowledged the police officer didn't see the funny side. Holmes persisted in doing it again in front of the same officer.

Mr Dearing added Holmes' behaviour had been 'stupid' and led him to spend a full night in custody. He had been arrested about 7.30pm and wasn't released until 9am the next morning.

The solicitor said the defendant's '"long-suffering' girlfriend would say it was time he grew up.