A DRUNKEN man couldn't remember attacking two police officers called to his home, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates heard how Ian David Marsden, 32, threatened an officer with a plant pot, hit him and then kicked out at a second officer.

Marsden, of Talbot Street, Colne, was conditionally discharged for two years and must pay £200 compensation and £50 costs. He admitted two counts of assaulting a police constable, on October 15.

Lesley Williams, prosecuting, said two police officers went to the defendant's home because of a complaint by his partner. He was arrested on suspicion of assault, but she later retracted her complaint. Marsden appeared very drunk, claimed his girlfriend had attacked him and he had slapped her face. He went upstairs, threatened an officer with a ceramic plant pot and then hit him. He was forced to the ground, handcuffed, and still aggressive, was put on the settee. Marsden then lashed out at another officer, kicking him on his knee. When he was arrested, he agreed he had been drinking heavily and said he couldn't remember most of the evening.

Brian Irlam, defending, said in 1992, Marsden was sent to prison for a lengthy period of time and very rarely drank since. He knew alcohol had got him into a great deal of trouble and had led to the prison term. He did not anticipate getting himself into this situation.

Marsden had been asked to help a friend do some stone walling. They then went for a drink, the defendant had four or five pints and when he got home, there was a domestic incident. He had little recollection of what went on.

Mr Irlam said: "He is very sorry for what took place. The defendant had no violence on his record. He had three days in custody and that punishment had some effect. As far as he is concerned, this was an isolated lapse and not something that will be repeated."

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