Teenager punched special constable

A TEENAGER hit a special police constable in the face after leading officers on a chase through the streets, a court heard.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, punched special PC Wayne Proudlove in a fracas after resisting arrest on Ruskin Road in the early hours of July 8.

He was ordered to undergo a three-month action plan by magistrates at South Cheshire Youth Court last Thursday.

The court heard that the youngster had attended a friend's barbecue on the evening of July 7 and was standing in an alleyway behind the house when two officers attended reports of youths swearing and shouting.

Prosecutor Beverley Dobson said: "The defendant shouted 'here come the rozzers' and he was urinating on a property.

"The officer cautioned him but he ran off towards Ruskin Road. The special PC caught up with him and told him he was under arrest.

"He said he was having an asthma attack and bent over, but fled again. PC Gorman caught up with him and he appeared to have another attack.

"He was put in a police car but was banging his head against the headrest and being abusive.

"They got him out of the car but he was punching and kicking the officers. He punched the special PC on the right side of his face."

The 17-year-old initially denied assaulting a police officer but changed his plea to guilty at the trial.

The basis of his plea was that he did not deliberately hit the officer but was upset and annoyed at being pushed to the floor while he was having trouble breathing.

Magistrates were told that the youngster was previously given a 120-hour Community Punishment order in June 2005 for assaulting a police officer.

Defence barrister Scott Harding said: "He is happy to accept that there was unintentional contact but it wasn't a deliberate punch.

"My client, being 17, isn't a million miles away from going into the real world and making his own way.

"Yes, he has a criminal record but there has been a gap. I submit there is every reason to think he can be rehabilitated and this may be the last time he is back before the court."

As well as the action plan, which involves working with the youth offending team on areas including thinking skills and consequences, goal setting and self-esteem, the 17-year-old was ordered to pay £150 costs and £100 compensation.