A MAN who caused a police officer to fear for her life has been jailed for 12 months.

Preston Crown Court heard how PC Janine Devlin was dragged along by a car before she fell to the floor.

The officer had been horrified by the incident, said Arthur Stuttard, prosecuting.

She had been severely traumatised and frightened for her life.

Wayne Russell, 22, of Laxey Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer, dangerous driving, and harassing Stephen O'Callaghan.

The driver of the car was sentenced two weeks ago to a 12 month community re-habilitation programme for dangerous driving.

Mr Stuttard told the court Russell claimed Mr O'Callaghan owed him £8 and made constant reminders about the money.

On one occasion he was near his home on Mill Hill Bridge Street and was pushed against a wall and punched on the side of his face. He was told if he did not pay the money by Friday he would get shot.

Two weeks later Russell went to Mr O'Callaghan's home and when he answered the door, Russell tried to pull him into the street.

The incident was witnessed by PC Devlin. She told Mr O'Callaghan to go inside his home to defuse the situation and asked Russell to go to her car.

Russell then threw a package through the driver's window of a Nissan Sunny. When the driver refused to hand it over, she tried to retrieve the package and the driver panicked and tried to wind the window up.

Mr Stuttard said Russell got into the passenger seat and said "Go, just go, just push her off". The officer was unable was dragged for 20 to 25 yards.

Miss Jane Woosey, defending, said Russell was on prescribed medication and unable to get some, he bought some for £25. He had thrown the tablets into the car.