A MAN lashed out when he was confronted by someone shining a torch in his face when he came downstairs in complete darkness, a court has heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard the torch belonged to a police officer who responded by hitting Scott Melia with the torch and then spraying him with CS gas.

Melia, 23, of Montague Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report after the magistrates heard that for nine out of his last 10 convictions he had received a custodial sentence.

The court heard the officer had been called to a complaint of loud music blaring out from Melia's home.

He had entered the house, which was in darkness, through an open door and then been confronted by Melia.

Kevin Preston, defending, said Melia had not heard the officer shouting because of the music.

"When he came downstairs he had a torch shone in his face and he had no idea who was shining it," said Mr Preston.

"He accepts that he hit out but for his trouble he was hit on the head with the torch and then sprayed with CS gas.

Clearly the officer had every right to be in the property but the circumstances were peculiar to say the least."