A TAX officer from Bolton Council racially abused a policewoman as she struggled to arrest him on suspicion of drink driving.

Steven Payne verbally abused the police officer as she attempted to handcuff him, Bury magistrates were told.

Payne, aged 34, of Warwick Road, Radcliffe, denied a charge of using racially aggravated behaviour.

He admitted that he had drunk cider before driving home from his brother's house in August last year.

The court was told that his VW Golf was spotted by police being driven erratically along Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe.

Patrick Ryan, prosecuting, said that when PC Simon Tomlinson asked for keys to move Payne's car a scuffle had developed.

PC Sabina Begum managed to handcuff Payne and was subjected to the racial insult as she did so.

Mr Ryan said: "Not only were you drunk, you were aggressive and you were angry at being arrested."

Magistrates found Payne guilty of racially aggravated behaviour and the case was adjourned for sentencing. Payne, who pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, will appear again on March 31.