AN EX-serviceman thrown out of a wedding reception had seen red after jokes were made about the threat of war.

Burnley magistrates heard "fiercely patriotic," Richard Hardy, 35, who was later abusive to the police, was worried former acquaintances in the forces may be put at risk.

Hardy, of Thorn Grove, Colne, was bound over in the sum of £100 for 12 months to keep the peace. An allegation of threatening behaviour was withdrawn by the bench.

The court was told that police were called to the Conservative Club, Albert Road, Colne, after midnight. The defendant was being abusive and refused to leave. Officers asked him to go and he did.

On the pavement outside, he started to use foul language and was asked to stop and make his way home. As he walked past a takeaway on Albert Road, he was shouting at the staff inside and staggered into the road, obstructing traffic for a few minutes.

Patrols then moved to a different area of town and Hardy approached a vehicle, punched it and was abusive to the police. He was told his behaviour was unacceptable, was warned again but was arrested after sticking two fingers up at officers.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Hardy had been to a wedding and had too much to drink.

What particularly upset him was jokes being made about the crisis after the terrorism in American .

Hardy was an ex-serviceman, was fiercely patriotic and was worried former friends would be put at risk. He accepted his behaviour was disorderly.