A MAN drowning his sorrows after learning his children were to be adopted ended up being arrested.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Anthony Nolan struggled violently with police as they tried to put him in the back of a van and officers had to use distraction strikes and pepper spray before he could be subdued.

Nolan, 31, of Bracewell Close, Nelson, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Britannia Street, Great Harwood, and resisting a police officer. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 compensation.

John Rusius, defending, said on the day of the incident his client had learned of the adoption plans and had been upset.

"He accepts he had more to drink that he should have done and reacted badly when the police wanted him to leave the property," said Mr Rusius.