Burnley Magistrates' Court heard how former midfielder Kevin Hird (53) pleaded guilty to assault relating to an incident in Colne town centre on December 16th.

Hird, of Strantley Bank, Kelbrook, admitted urinating outside the Co-op store in Market Street at 10-40 p.m. when he was spotted by a female police officer in a van.

Hird made 100 appearances for the Clarets after joining the club in 1984 from Leeds United. He also had a spell with Blackburn Rovers.

Mr Bill Maude (prosecuting) said: "After being spotted by the officer, the defendant walked away and was seen shortly after in Windy Bank. It was here he reached through the open window of the police van and touched the officer's cheek.

"He then said something along the lines of 'catch me if you can' or 'you can't catch me' before running off. Police officers have a responsibility to the public.

"The defendant has since admitted to drinking six pints of lager before the incident. While this was not a serious assault, it did cause the young female officer some alarm."

The court heard Hird was a man of good character and worked as a teacher with special needs children. He also coached football to youngsters.

Mr James Young (defending) said the retired professional footballer had never received a red card in his long career and only one yellow card.

He said: "My client was out with his partner and admits to being caught short. He was embarrassed at being seen by the officers and explains his actions to her as being daft. There was no malicious intent and he immediately left a note of apology at the police station. He is very sorry for his actions, which were totally out of character."

Magistrates gave Hird a six-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £60 costs.

The chairman of the bench rebuked Hird saying: "The officer was there to do her job. It is not for you to play fast and loose in a game of tag around Colne.
"At the age of 53 you should be old enough and big enough to understand that."