HUSBAND and wife Michael and Pauline Moran ended up on the wrong side of the law after a mammoth drinking binge.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Michael Moran estimated he had drunk between 20 and 30 pints of beer on a night out with his wife which ended with a visit from the police.

Pauline Moran, 44, of Aspinall Fold, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Michael Young and Michael Moran, 51, of the same address, pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty.

They were both given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £55 costs. Pauline Moran was also ordered to pay £25 compensation to PC Young.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said police went to the Moran's home after a complaint from a taxi driver that someone had stolen money from him.

Initially there was no answer but eventually Pauline Moran came to the front window.

"Both officers present formed the opinion that she was very drunk," said Mr Snape.

"She refused to let the officers in and told them to go away in a less than polite way. She was heard talking to a male and shortly after Michael Moran came to the door and asked what the officers wanted.

"Michael Moran is quite a large man and he was completely filling the doorway," said Mr Snape.

"As the officers were talking to him, Pauline picked up a handful of loose change and threw it at PC Young. One of the coins caught PC Young in the eye."

Paul Garner, defending, said they had been out and drunk "a considerable amount" and both accepted that they were drunk.