ALICIA Barnes waded in when police arrested her husband during a disturbance outside a Clitheroe pub.

Blackburn magistrates heard that she kicked an officer in the knee and punched and kicked him after he fell over.

And a female officer who came to his assistance was kicked in the shin for her trouble.

Brian Barnes, 27, and Alicia Barnes, 29, both of Peel Street, Clitheroe, both pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly. Alicia Barnes also pleaded guilty to two charges of police assault.

Brian Barnes, a HGV driver, was fined £75 with £55 costs. His wife, a cleaner, was fined £75 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to each officer and £55 costs.

Wendy Shackleton, prosecuting, said police were called to a disturbance at the rear of Key Street pub in Lowergate at 11.45pm on Saturday. Brian Barnes became aggressive. He was clearly drunk and as he tried to push past the officers he was arrested and began to struggle.

Alicia Barnes ran towards them and kicked PC Allen. PC Allen fell and Alicia Barnes started to hit him about the back of the head. The officer swept her legs from under her, but as she fell Alicia Barnes kicked the officer in the face.

Miss Shackleton said that both defendants were of previous good character.

Richard Prew, defending, said it was with great regret that they both made their first appearance before the court.

He said Alicia Barnes was wrestled to the ground and she could only think that as that was happening she lashed out.