AN off-duty policeman had to call out colleagues when a neighbour became a noisy nuisance late at night.

Blackburn magistrates heard Paul Anthony Russell had issues with the officer because of an earlier incident when his girlfriend had crashed her car into the policeman's and driven off.

And he thought the officer's damage estimate of £500 put before a court was far too high.

Russell, 36, of Cemetery Road, Darwen, admitted threatening behaviour and was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £70 compensation.

Charges of witness intimidation and being drunk and disorderly were discharged.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said on January 9 at 12.30am the officer was in bed when he was woken by a loud bang on his door.

He looked out of the window to see Russell examining his car.

Ms Allan added: "The defendant shouted something about the officer claiming £500 compensation."

Russell shouted abuse at the officer, who tried to calm the situation but eventually had to call the police, the court heard.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said such behaviour was not normal for his client.