A 27-YEAR-OLD man brandished a broken bottle when police were called to a disturbance at his parents’ home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Andrew Hartley ran off but, when he was eventually detained, grabbed hold of an officer and kicked out at him.

Hartley, of Littlemoor Road, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and using threatening behaviour.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.

His solicitor Robin Phoenix said that Hartley had had an alcohol problem since he was 16.

“With the help of his parents he underwent rehab at a private clinic in Bedfordshire,” said Mr Phoenix. “He did so well that he was asked to stay on and help other people with the same problem.”

He said Hartley eventually returned to Clitheroe and got a job in the building trade.

“His colleagues enjoyed relaxing in the pub at the end of the working day and that was the thin end of the wedge for an alcoholic,” said Mr Phoenix.

“It is sad that the starting point for this incident was his mother ringing the police because of her son’s behaviour. That is the last thing a parent wants to do.”