ONE of two warring brothers appeared in court after one believed police were giving the other a "good hiding."

Burnley magistrates heard how Keith Ludlam, 26, pushed an officer in the chest and was abusive after his brother had struggled with a number of officers.

Ludlam, of Pink Street, Burnley, was conditionally discharged for 12 months, after admitting threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

John Wood, prosecuting, said police were called to a report of a disturbance and the defendant's brother was struggling with officers.

One officer was about to go and help when Ludlam became abusive and pushed him with an open hand.

Graeme Parkinson, said Ludlam had rowed with his brother, but it was never going to get out of control.

They had their difficulties but loved each other.

Mr Parkinson said the defendant's brother went into the street to calm down.

Ludlam went out to make sure he was all right and saw him being given "a good hiding" by police officers.

Ludlam tried to intervene, accepted he may have said one or two things which were ill advised, but was concerned and annoyed. He had been drinking and knew it was wrong to use foul language.