BRUSHES with both sides of the law landed John McKay in court.

Blackburn magistrates heard he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly after police were called to remove him from the Northgate offices of his solicitors Forbes.

The next day he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly in the police station inquiry office after officers had removed him from the corridor at Blackburn magistrates' court.

McKay, 59, of Delph Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two offences of being drunk and disorderly.

After hearing that McKay had been in custody overnight, magistrates fined him £30 on each charge and ordered he be detained until the end of the court sitting in default of immediate payment.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said McKay had apologised for his behaviour and wished to repeat his apology to the court.

" It is usually me who has to be led from the office in a drunken state," joked Mr Ditta.

"Seriously though, he is a smashing chap when he is sober and it is only in drink that he is a problem."