A 'Jekyll and Hyde character' with an extensive record for disorderly behaviour spat in the faces of two female police officers who had taken him to hospital.

Blackburn magistrates heard on another occasion Mohammed Kasim Bhatti urinated in the back of a police van and racially abused the officers who had arrested him.

Bhatti, 38, of Hurtley Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to two assaults on emergency workers, being drunk and disorderly in Thompson Park and racially aggravated threatening behaviour on July 10; criminal damage to a police van and a bag belonging to a police officer, damaging the front door of a house belonging to his former partner and racially aggravated threatening behaviour on May 23; unauthorised taking of a vehicle belonging to his former partner aggravated by damage caused, driving other than in accordance with a licence and without insurance on September 27.

He was sentenced to six weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to a community order with nine months alcohol treatment requirement and 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement. He was ordered to pay £200 compensation for the door, £500 for the excess his partner had to pay on her insurance and £200 to cover the increase in her insurance premiums and £23 for the police officer's bag. He was banned from driving for 12 months.

Neil White, prosecuting, said the first offences in time happened when Bhatti turned up at his ex-partner's home drunk. She locked herself and the children in an upstairs bedroom and shouted at him to go away or she would call the police.

When officers arrived Bhatti was aggressive and abusive and was eventually placed in the back of a van.

"When they got to the police station it was evident he had urinated in the back of the van," said Mr White. "His clothing was not stained which suggests it had been a deliberate act."

Mr White said the second set of offences occurred after police were called to Thompson Park where Bhatti, who was bare chested, was shouting at women and children who were using a play area.

"When the officers tried to get his details he became abusive and started spitting," said Mr White. "At that point he was put in handcuffs and a spit mask and because of a head injury, taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital."

He used racially abusive language towards the officers and threatened to rape one of them. He then spat directly in the faces of two female officers."

In September he took his ex-partner's car and while he had it the vehicle was badly damaged.

Mark Williams, defending, said the damage was caused to the car but it wasn't his client's fault.

"While he was in the car it was deliberately rammed," said Mr Williams. "He was then attacked and ended up in hospital."

He described Bhatti as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' character.

"When he is not in drink he is a pleasant person who is appalled by his behaviour in drink," said Mr Williams.

"He says he has recognised that he needs to change his ways. Last time he came to court he brought a replacement bag for the police officer, flowers and chocolates. They couldn't be accepted but the thought was there."