A drunken man who lives on a boat shouted to police that he was an ex-IRA soldier who had shot more of them than they'd had hot dinners.

Irishman Ciaran James McAleavy was propped against a wall inside Vibes Bar, at Navigation Point, when officers were called to reports of trouble, Hartlepool Magistrates' Court heard.

Prosecutor Catherine Reeve said: "They had been called after receiving reports that there was an aggressive drunk causing trouble.

"On entering the pub they saw the defendant propped against the wall and then he started making threats to police officers.

"He shouted 'I'm ex-IRA and I've shot more of you than you've had hot dinners'.

"He lunged towards the officers and was then charged with drunk and disorderly behaviour."

McAleavy, who lives on the Byrona Star Boat, on Hartlepool Marina, represented himself when he pleaded guilty to the offence before town justices.

The 37-year-old welder – who speaks with a broad Irish accent – said: "I do have a problem with alcohol and I am guilty of the offence although I'm not in total agreement with the police's version of the story.

"But I'm totally guilty of it, totally. Hopefully this is my rock bottom which is going to put me back to where I once was."

He added: "I've never been arrested sober in my life. It needs dealing with.

"I've sought help before but I somewhat take it lightly and half-heartedly, maybe with the intentions of appeasing people.

"The fact that you say you're going to do something doesn't mean your heart's in it."

Chairman of the magistrates' bench Keith Gorton said: "A fine seems appropriate in this case. Clearly you have a problem, but our sentencing powers are limited and we are unable to help you with that problem today."

McAleavy was fined £165 and ordered to pay £45 costs and a £15 victim surcharge