A BEGGAR became so aggressive and abusive towards a police officer that he was arrested, a court heard.

David Billington, aged 27, was spotted begging for loose change from passers-by at Bury Interchange.

Bury Magistrates heard that he was told to move on by a police officer but 90 minutes later the officer returned and discovered that Billington was back begging again.

When he was asked to move on he argued and became abusive and he was arrested.

In court, Billington, of Ribble Drive, Bury, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Billington was fined £50 and ordered to pay £55 costs.