A MAN described in court as 'a nuisance' by his own lawyer has been told to tackle his drink problem.

Sean Rush, 46, of Tong Lane, Bacup, had admitted using abusive and insulting words and behaviour likely to cause alarm and distress.

Ian Ross-Brown, defending, told Rochdale magistrates: "He is a chronic alcoholic and quite frankly a nuisance."

However Mr Ross-Brown said there was a glimmer of hope on the horizon because Rush was due to be signed into a detox centre.

He added: "This is his future and his chance to rid himself of an addiction to alcohol going back many years."

Mark Broomhead, prosecuting, said the incident involving Rush began at a supermarket in Rochdale where the defendant was reported to be annoying customers and abusing them.

Police were called to the store and found Rush sitting on the step. Asked to leave the scene, he used foul language.

He was again told to leave but again he swore at the officer and was arrested.

Mr Ross-Brown urged the bench to give Rush a conditional discharge so he could could give all his attention to the detox programme.

The magistrates agreed to give Rush a chance to take up a place at the detox centre by giving him a conditional discharge for twelve months.