A man kicked out at a police officer as he was being arrested in Gateshead, a court has heard. Nathan Maughan, 34, was being placed in handcuffs by officers on July 9 when he began resisting arrest.
Maughan was arrested after being asked "multiple times" to leave the area and refusing. He then began "swinging his arms around" and kicked out, striking the officer.
Court hearing
On Wednesday, Maughan, of Borough Road, North Shields, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court charged with assaulting a police constable. He pleaded guilty on the basis that his actions were "reckless".
The court heard that police were called to an area of Gateshead after Maughan, who was intoxicated, refused to leave "multiple times".
Prosecution and defence
Jasmine Dodd, prosecuting, said: "He refused to leave the area and was threatening and abusive." She added that he refused to comply with requests to leave and was arrested, and as handcuffs were placed on him he was kneed by another officer. "He responded by kicking out and struck an officer, who felt immediate pain to her right arm."
The court was told Maughan continued to resist arrest and was eventually put in "limb restraints".
Karen Minhas, defending, said Maughan has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and schizophrenia. She told the court: "He receives medication and is awaiting an ADHD and autism assessment."
Sentence
Magistrates gave Maughan a three-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £26 surcharge.
