John Eason, 41, of Dorchester Avenue, Bolton, pleaded guilty to assault.

A nurse was outside The George pub, Kirkham, ordering a taxi when Eason started mimicking what she was saying to the operator.

The nurse asked Eason to go away and he did but he then returned. She asked him to get out of her face.

Eason then spat in her face with the spittle landing on her top lip and chin.

Peter Manning, defending, said his client had gone to Kirkham with his partner and family members to celebrate his birthday.

Eason who was on medication for depression, drank five pints and the mixture of pills and tablets could have affected his behaviour.

The defence said: "He got into an argument with the complainant. He told her he was an ex-serviceman and he says she made disparaging remarks."

Eason lost his temper and spat. His behaviour was not unprovoked but he accepts he reacted in an inappropriate manner.

He was fined £65 and ordered to pay compensation of £25 to his victim plus £85 costs.