A DRUNKEN lout caused a disturbance and made threats at a reservoir vigil for a Colne teenager who had drowned there days before, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates were told how Ben James Porter, 22, turned up at Lake Burwain, Foulridge, where people had gathered to pay their respects after the tragic death of James Goodship, 17, who lost his life after playing on a makeshift raft with friends.

Porter didn't seem to know anybody there, wasn't welcome and was causing problems. Police were called and when an officer arrived and took Porter to one side, he shouted: "I will bang them all out. I don't care."

Prosecutor Andrew Robinson told the hearing: “People didn't know who he was. He was causing problems. They had wanted him to leave and he wouldn’t go. He was being aggressive. He was arrested for being drunk and disorderly”

When Porter didn't turn up for court on July 8, a warrant was issued. He was later detained after a short chase when police saw him on Market Street, Colne, drinking from two cans of beer. He was found to have a wrap of cocaine on him. The defendant spent two nights in the cells.

Porter, of Regent Street, Nelson, admitted being drunk and disorderly at Lake Burwain on June 26, failing to surrender, and possessing cocaine. He was fined £145, with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

The bench chairman said Porter had caused annoyance to people, especially considering they had gone to Lake Burwain to offer their condolences. He told Porter: "I don't think you covered yourself in glory."

John Rusius, defending, said Porter had had a drink and went to pay his respects. Another male who had apparently been drinking started causing problems and he was trying to usher the person away.

He did that, but a disturbance was caused.

The solicitor added: "He has no previous convictions for drugs. He is starting work, pointing, two weeks on Monday."