A man from Barrow with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder injured a police officer, a court heard.

Arren Mark Fleming of Ewan Close was charged with resisting PC Bredova in her lawful duty. He attended South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on November 13, where he pleaded guilty.

The 22-year-old grabbed out when in a struggle with police officers on August 9 which caused PC Bredova thumb swelling, the court was told.

Prosecution lawyer Lee Dacre said: “Police officers were at a vehicle fire on Colchester Place; the car belonged to the defendant’s mother.

“The defendant was described as evasive and when later questioned became obstructive.”

In response to this, defence counsel Michael Graham said: “The police were not aware that he is autistic and has ADHD, which means he can’t be in a situation where it is noisy and people are all around.

“He received a phone call saying his mother’s car was on fire.

“When he arrived, police looked at him and thought he looked suspicious.

“When questioned he immediately closes down and was asking to be given space and some time.

“Police were not to know that though.

“They decided to arrest him and took him to the station on suspicion of arson, which was obviously thrown out the window straight away.

“He has done nothing wrong in these circumstances and he just wants to put this matter behind him.”

The court imposed a curfew for four weeks for Mr Fleming to reside at his home address between 7pm and 7am.

He also had to pay £50 compensation to the officer, victim surcharge of £95 and court costs of £85, totalling £230.