TWO arguing brothers turned on a police officer when he intervened, a court heard.

Lee Evans (24) and Scott Evans (29), both of Water Lane Street, Radcliffe, admitted charges of behaviour likely to cause fear of provocation of violence and possession of a quantity of cannabis.

Scott Evans was also charged with assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

Mrs Marion Nolan, prosecuting, told Bury magistrates how a police officer went over to calm down two brothers having a heated argument in Blackburn Street, but instead they turned on him.

Both men had consumed drink and Lee Evans was swearing and warned he would be arrested. He then appeared to make a grab for the officer's epaulette number strip, and the officer was obliged to use CS gas.

Mrs Nolan said, at this stage, Scott Evans grabbed hold of the officer and there was a scuffle and the policeman again had to use CS gas.

Lee Evans stayed on the floor and Scott Evans struggled with the officer.

Lee Evans ran off but was later spotted by other officers, even though he had had time to change his top.

Both brothers were arrested and Lee Evans was found to have three snap bags of cannabis and Scott Evans one plastic bag.

Mrs Nolan said the officer suffered a swollen eye and back pain and had also been affected by the gas spray.

Defending solicitor Mr Stanley Sumara said the two brothers had been having a private argument over money following a "wetting the baby's head" celebration.

"They were not aware that their argument was having an untoward effect on anybody else and then suddenly a policemen arrived out of nowhere. They know they should have calmed down and walked on but they got involved and the whole thing spiralled downwards.

"They realised they had made a nuisance of themselves and seriously inconvenienced a police officer in the execution of his duty," Mr Sumara added.

Scott Evans was made subject to a community punishment order for 100 hours, with fines and costs of £265 and compensation of £100. Lee Evans was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £265.

ENDS