A MAN dragged a female police officer who was arresting his sister outside a nightclub in Barrow to the floor, a court heard.

Carl Hartley, of Geneva Street in Barrow, pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker at a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 23 last year.

Oliver Saddington, prosecuting the case at Preston Crown Court on January 10, said officers were forced to call for backup to attend an ‘escalating incident’ on Cavendish Street in Barrow on July 23 2023.

The court heard the 42-year-old defendant shouted ‘get off my sister’ to PC Whiteman as she was being arrested by the constable on the floor outside a nightclub.

As officers tried to calm the defendant’s sister down, Hartley then dragged PC Ainsworth to the floor by grabbing the collar of her uniform, Mr Saddington said.

The defendant then reiterated by shouting ‘get off her now’ and continued to scream at the officer, the court heard.

He was then PAVA sprayed and detained.

Mr Saddington said PC Ainsworth suffered ‘minor injuries’ as a result of the incident including a handprint to her arm.

In her original statement, the court heard PC Ainsworth described the defendant as being a ‘big, strong man who could have taken advantage and caused a significant injury if he wanted to’.

David Traynor, representing his client, said: “He stands back and asks the officer to leave his sister alone, but he then gets involved when there are further cries for help.

“He apologised for his behaviour straight away and has shown genuine remorse.

“He is a hardworking man who is trying to change matters for himself.

“He has been in full-time employment working five days a week since February 2023.”

The court heard Hartley had 11 previous convictions for 19 offences including serving custodial sentences for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs in 2013, assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) in February 2015 and April 2019, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) in September 2021.

Sentencing Hartley to a nine-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, Recorder Katie Jones said: “There is a clear pattern of behaving in a violent manner over the course of many years.

“You are seen on officer’s police body worn footage to be behaving in an extremely aggressive manner.

“However, I believe there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and there is strong personal mitigation on your behalf.

“I very much hope the court does not see you again.”

Recorder Jones also ordered Hartley to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation, as well as to pay £500 in court costs.

No order for compensation was made.