A BAD-tempered swimmer sent emergency rescue services racing into action.

Despite police warnings, John Davis insisted on swimming out to sea, off the Lancashire coast.

The jobless 39-year-old, of Crossfield Drive, Radcliffe, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in the sum of £100 for twelve months.

Prosecuting, Mr Philip Riley said at 9pm police were called to the promenade opposite Blackpool Tower.

Davis, who had already been in the sea, was having a furious argument with his girlfriend.

Police told him to calm down and leave the area, but minutes later an officer saw him go down to the beach and into the sea.

Mr Riley said: "The coastguard was alerted and the lifeboat called out. The lifeboat followed Davis as he swam away from the shore. He was eventually pulled out of the sea into the lifeboat and handcuffed."

Davis told magistrates: "It was very stupid. I had an argument and stormed away. I am very sorry. It won't happen again. It's not like me to do something like that."

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