AN IRISH MAN who racially abused a police officer claimed he was responding to being called an Leprechaun by the constable.

Blackburn magistrates heard Paul Doyle had been arrested as a result of an incident in a Great Harwood wine bar but ultimately was not charged in connection with that.

Doyle, 37, of Park Road, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour and possession of cannabis. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £50 compensation, £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said police attended an incident at 1 am and Doyle was being spoken to when he became abusive. He was arrested and on the way to the police station started punching and kicking the van. He called a female officer who was in the vehicle a slag and made racist comments towards PC Khan.

Ian Huggan, defending, said while he was out Doyle's partner had come into the bar and she was not happy that he had gone out drinking.

"She assaulted him and left him with blood dripping from his nose," said Mr Huggan. "He was the one who was arrested although there was no charge as a result of that. He says when the officers asked him where he was from and he told them Ireland they called him a Leprechaun which upset him."