WILLIAM John Francis had to be handcuffed when he was arrested during a disturbance outside the Grapes pub on Northgate, Blackburn.

The town's magistrates were told that Francis and another man were seen fighting outside the pub. When a police officer intervened Francis became abusive and started to struggle.

Francis, 35, of Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and was fined £50 with £55 costs.

John Greenwood, defending, said when police had originally questioned Francis they had asked why he had thrown a bottle and there had been no mention of fighting.

"He was surprised when he was charged with being drunk and disorderly," said Mr Greenwood. "Perhaps he was wrongly picked out. However, he has to accept that he had been drinking and that he struggled when the officer tried to arrest him."