A TEENAGER spotted drinking beer in an alcohol-free area of Turf Moor ended up in police cells but has now walked from court without punishment.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Ryan Metcalfe, 19, who had never been in trouble before, was said to have walked past two or three security officers at the Burnley v Preston derby match without being stopped.

Metcalfe, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, admitted having a container with intoxicating liquor in a designated sports ground, on January 21. He was given an absolute discharge.

The bench chairman told the defendant he was not being punished even though he had pleaded guilty and a record would be kept of it.

The justice went on: "There is no evidence of any public disorder as a consequence of you taking drink into the ground. You were not involved in trouble, are of previous good character and were in custody for quite some time after you were arrested." The bench did not make any order for costs either.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, told the court a police officer was approached by a steward who said he had seen the defendant drinking beer in the seating area of a stand where drinking alcohol was prohibited.

The officer went to Metcalfe and told him he was being arrested. The defendant swore, was taken to the police station and was detained. Graeme Tindall, defending, said Metcalfe, who worked full-time, could in no way be described as a football yob or hooligan. He was asked by friends to go to the game.

Mr Tindall continued: "He has lost his good name and good character for drinking a pint of beer."