A WALNEY teenager who headbutted a police officer after his 18th birthday celebrations spiralled out of control has been given a curfew.

Ethan Duke’s sentence has, however, been postponed so he can go on holiday to Spain.

The 18-year-old, of Ribble Gardens, Walney, appeared at Furness Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty.

Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told the court the incident took place at around 1.10am on August 15, after officers saw Duke being kicked out of Manhattans nightclub in Barrow.

As they tried to help the door staff by leading the defendant away, Duke became aggressive, swearing at them repeatedly.

Mr Kelly said that, while being held by one officer, Duke made a “wide swing” with his head, making contact with another officer’s face.

He was taken to the ground, shouting at them to get off and threatening to hit them again, before continuing to kick and headbutt the cage in the police van he was put into.

He said: “There are drug dealers out there and you lock me up. You don’t have the right to lock me up.”

In police interview, Duke explained he had been out for a family meal before meeting his friends.

Because it had been his birthday the day before, he had been bought more alcohol than he would usually have and drinks he was not used to having.

Mr Kelly said: “He’s showing remorse for his actions, he’s wanting to apologise to the officers concerned, indicating it was completely out of character for him.

“This is the first time he’s come to the attention of the authorities.”

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, added: “He’s thoroughly embarrassed and ashamed at starting his adult life in this way.

“This is an incident that’s completely out of character. He’s never been in a fight, he doesn’t like violence, he’s extremely surprised at the way he’s been described as behaving.”

Duke was initially given a curfew to run from 8pm until 6am each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting this weekend and running until September 21.

Magistrates later moved the 120-hour sentence to start on September 18, after being told the defendant was due to fly to Spain on Thursday and return on Saturday September 12.

Duke will also pay £85 costs, a £60 victim surcharge, £150 criminal court charges and £100 compensation.