A MAN who was 'starting on people' in a town centre had drunk a bottle of whisky, a court was told.

William Aitken, 53, of Burnmoor Avenue, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in a public place when he appeared at Workington Magistrates' Court today.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said police were called just after 8.15pm on Friday, January 28, to reports of a man 'starting on people' in the marketplace in Whitehaven.

When police arrived, Aitken was lying on the floor, shouting profanities, and was arrested for his behaviour.

He was kicking out in the police van and was verbally abusive all the way into the cell, the court was told.

Aitken, who had no legal representation, told magistrates that he had "supped a bottle of whisky".

When asked by magistrates if he needed any support to address his drinking, Aitken said he didn't and that he "didn't sup whisky now".

Passing sentence, lead magistrate Keith Southward, said: "It was quite nasty for people in the area."

Aitken was fined £60 and must pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.