A 29-year-old man had drunk a 'gigantic' amount of alcohol before a confrontation with a police officer who came across him standing in the middle of the road trying to kick cars.

Blackburn magistrates heard Luke Mulgrew shouted racist comments at PC Ulhaq who eventually PAVA sprayed him and then struck him with his baton before arresting him.

And the chairman of the magistrates bench said Mulgrew deserved everything that came his way.

The spokesman said: "For what you said to the officer you deserved to be put to the ground in the way you were.

"This was a public place on a Sunday afternoon and your behaviour was disgraceful.

"The officer was looking out for the safety of the public and your safety.

"You do not have the right to speak to anyone in that way."

Mulgrew, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and racially aggravated disorderly behaviour. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, said police had received a report of two men fighting on Blackburn Railway Station when threats and abuse had been shouted in front of members of the public.

PC Ulhaq was looking for the men when he had to stop his car in King Street because Mulgrew, who fitted the description of one of the men he was looking for, was standing in the carriageway.

He was gesticulating and kicking out at cars and when the officer approached used vile racist language including calling the office a terrorist.

"The officer PAVA sprayed him but then had to use his baton after which he complied," said Mr Harrison.

Damian Pickup, defending, said his client apologised for his behaviour and his comments.

He said on the morning of the incident Mulgrew had been thrown out of the Salvation Army Hostel and had started drinking.

"He says he drank six bottle of shots and three bottles of neat vodka and even if that is a slight exaggeration he certainly consumed a gigantic amount of alcohol," said Mr Pickup. "He didn't feel it was necessary for the officer to pepper spray him and that was when he made the racist comments.

"At that point he was hit with the baton and I have seen several injuries he carries as a result.

" He says he is not a racist and has friends of ethnic origins," added Mr Pickup.