A DRUNKEN man whose wife was arrested told police officers they had better lock him up as well -- and a court was told it was because she had the only set of house keys.

Michael McDonagh's solicitor told Burnley Magistrates the alternative was to sleep on the streets and he thought it was better to be in close proximity to his wife.

McDonagh, of Elizabeth Street, Nelson, who had urged a dog handler to let his animal bite him because he "loved it,", was fined £45, with £55 costs, after admitting being drunk and disorderly. He was told by the bench he was very fortunate the officer kept the dog back.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to a report of about 40 people fighting in the early hours at the Queens pub on Burnley Road, Colne. A woman was arrested and an officer was putting her in the back of a police van when the defendant said it was his wife and the officers had better lock him up as well.

McDonagh shouted: "Lock me up, lock me up," and was abusive. He was warned by a handler to stay away from a police dog but told him to let the animal bite him. He got close to the dog which jumped up, pushed him back and he was arrested.

John Rusius, defending, said McDonagh had been to a private party and had a lot to drink. His wife had the only set of house keys and she was arrested. He added: "He wanted to get locked up and that's what happened. He spent the best part of 12 hours in custody."