A MAN whose drunken behaviour saw him assault a landlord and attempt to board passing cars has been given a community order.

Gavin James Liptrot, 44, of Lake Road, Ambleside, pleaded guilty to charges of assault, threatening behaviour likely to cause alarm or distress, and possession of cannabis.

Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told magistrates Liptrot had been drinking at the Crafty Baa, in Victoria Street, Windermere, when his behaviour began to become a concern for staff and other customers.

The pub's licencee, Vincent Gregg, was called and attempted to escort Liptrot from the premises. After refusing and becoming "obstructive and difficult", the pair began pushing each other.

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, said: "This is a defendant who is particularly disappointed to be here today given the significant amount of progress he has made recently.

"There were a couple of pushes and then he left.

"Unfortunately, he thought he was being followed to be attacked, so started running away and tried to get in any cars that were going past."

After being arrested, Liptrot was found to have a small quantity of cannabis in his possession.

Mr Roberts said: "He's had a bad relationship with alcohol and drugs in the past but he's made great strides.

"The cannabis was in his bag and he didn't realise he had it on him.

"It was a small amount for personal use and of some age."

Appearing at Furness Magistrates' Court yesterday, Liptrot was given a community order involving 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs, an £85 victim surcharge and £50 compensation.

Magistrates also made an order for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.