POLICE sprayed a prisoner with CS gas because they believed he was about to drive off in their police car.

John Devlin had been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and put in the back of the police vehicle.

But he lashed out at a special constable through an open window and then climbed over the seats into the driver's position.

Devlin aged 31, of Reed Street, Burnley, who said he was moving Mayflower Street, Blackburn, this week, admitted assaulting Special Constable Nicholas Gandon.

He also admitted failing to provide a breath specimen and driving without the correct licence, insurance or MOT.

Devlin was bailed by Blackpool magistrates for pre-sentence reports with all options including custody to be considered.

He must live at his Blackburn address and report three times a week to police.

Prosecutor Malcolm Cartwright said the offences took place two years ago in July 2002.

At 12.30am police saw a Peugeot being driven erratically in Hornby Road, Blackpool. The car was stopped and learner driver Devlin was given a breath test, which proved positive for alcohol.

He said Devlin was put in the back of the police car, dived over the front seats and tried to punch an officer who tried to grab him. He was then sprayed with CS gas because the officers believed he was about to drive away.

John Nuttall, defending, said the case had taken so long to get to court because Devlin had been in Ireland.

He added that Devlin had not intended to drive away and only failed to give a breath test because he had been affected by the CS gas.