A SMIRKING 26-year-old assaulted a police officer because he was 'trying to be a nuisance,' a court heard.

Joshua Lee Gawne, of South Row, Barrow pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable in the execution of her duty at Furness Magistrates' on Wednesday.

The offshore worker had been on a night out in Ulverston on April 30, when he was arrested for causing criminal damage.

Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told the court how Gawne was handcuffed and on his way to Barrow police station when he began to "cause a disturbance" because his handcuffs were too tight and causing him pain.

The court then heard how the officer was assaulted as she decided to pull over and assist the defendant.

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Mr Kelly said: "When she went to close the door, he kicked his foot out at the door and smirked at her.

"It closed and trapped her arm in the vehicle and she had to be assisted by a colleague.

"When interviewed by police the defendant described what he did was 'being a nuisance'.

"She was doing her duty and was trying to assist the defendant, and as a consequence she's got injured," added Mr Kelly.

A statement written by the officer and read out in court by the prosecution said the incident caused swelling, bruising and redness.

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Speaking about his client, Mr Andrew Gallagher, defending, said: "He has shown significant remorse.

"He had been drinking, and at the time he was in considerable pain and was upset.

"He was trying to be a nuisance, it wasn't deliberate, he just put his leg out to stop the door closing."

The offshore worker was fined £450 by presiding magistrate Mr George Butler and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £45 victim surcharge.

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