A SOLDIER'S drunken night on the town after six alcohol-free months in Northern Ireland ended in the police cells after a nightclub melee.

Burnley magistrates heard Lance Corporal Michael Bailey, 26, kicked an police officer after he had been arrested.

But his solicitor hit out at the police and told the court she found it "alarming," he faced charges after serving the difficult tour of duty.

Bailey, of Nelson, serving in the First Battalion Queen's Lancashire Regiment, admitted police assault and threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and was conditionally discharged for six months, with £50 compensation and £55 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said in the early hours police were called to the Chicago Rock nightclub in Burnley, where 10 to 15 people were fighting outside.

Bailey claimed bouncers had been involved, walked off but then began to run downstairs into the club.

He began clinging onto some railings as police struggled to remove him and said he would "sort them." Bailey wouldn't let go, was told he would be arrested and an officer took hold of his arm.

The defendant put his arm backwards and caught the officer a glancing blow on the side of the head.

Mr Robinson said as one of the officers was talking to the custody sergeant, Bailey kicked him, causing a 2in cut on his leg.

Lyn Slater, defending, said Bailey who joined the Army in 1993, had come back from Northern Ireland the previous evening after a tour which was not the easiest of duties.

He had had a very difficult time, in a "warlike," situation and had not had any free time or alcohol. He intended to go out for his first weekend and have a good time.

Bailey claimed bouncers had come out of the club, hit several people and had gone back into the premises.