A RARE night out with his wife ended with a father of three being arrested.

Blackburn magistrates heard that police called to a disturbance outside the Gibraltar public house found Paul McLaughlin shouting abuse and behaving in an agitated manner.

But the court was told his behaviour had been incited by a comment by a complete stranger who said he was not fit to be a father and should have been at home looking after his children.

McLaughlin, 26, of Scotland Bank Terrace, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and was fined £50 with £50 costs.

Michael Singleton, defending, said both McLaughlin and his wife worked full-time and their commitments rarely allowed them to go out together.

On the night of the offence they had managed to arrange babysitters and had gone out to enjoy themselves.

"As he was about to leave, a complete stranger made some comment about his fitness to be a father and it was that which caused the row which brought him to the attention of the police," said Mr Singleton.