A MAN became abusive towards a police officer who he though was staring at him.

Blackburn magistrates heard John Boyce McKeown challenged the officer to stop looking at him or lock him up.

McKeown, 42, of the Islington Motel, Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour in The Mall, Blackburn on August 27.

He was made subject to a conditional discharge for 16 months and ordered to pay a £21 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the officer was walking through the Mall when he saw McKeown staring at him angrily.

The officer asked for his details and McKeown became abusive shouting and swearing in front of members of the public.

Ian Huggan, defending, said his client suffered from Asperger's and accepted using the language complained of.

"Because of his condition there are issues with social interaction," said Mr Huggan.

"He came out of the shop and believed the officer was looking at him in an inappropriate way."