A HUSBAND and wife who kicked up a fuss when police tried to make an arrest in an ongoing neighbour dispute have kept their freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard drunken Marvin Driver, 42, was vocal, abusive and had to be held back from the officers.

His estranged partner Jackie Driver, 37, was shouting and told police she would go where she wanted.

Even the family dog, a large pit bull terrier type, got in on the action, running over to the rumpus on Elm Street, Nelson.

The defendants were warned to keep it under control and to calm down.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt told the Drivers the police had a difficult enough job to do without such conduct.

Marvin Driver, of Keighley Avenue, Colne, admitted affray and was given a 12-month community order with the Think First programme. Jackie Driver, of Giles Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

She was given a six-month conditional discharge.

Hugh Barton, for both defendants, told the court Marvin Driver had been drunk while his co-defendant was affected by alcohol.

Mr Barton said Marvin Driver was remorseful.