A CHEF who assaulted and spat at a police officer while in custody has been sentenced.

Scott Bibby, 33, was on Market Street in Flookburgh in the early hours of June 11 this year when he kicked PC Sproat three times to the chest, South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said the officer suffered an aching pain as a result.

Mr Dacre said Bibby then spat towards the officer when being escorted to his police cell in custody.

It comes after the court heard police were called as a result of Bibby shouting and swearing at a male in the street, as well as threatening another group of people.

Mr Dacre said Bibby was struggling to stand and that he stumbled into the stationary police vehicle when officers arrived.

Karen Templeton, representing the defendant, told magistrates Bibby was ‘deeply apologetic’ for his actions.

She said: “He has a problem with cannabis and alcohol. He no longer does cannabis but he is trying to get some help for his drinking.

“He had been drinking for several months prior to this incident. It was the anniversary of a family event on the day in question which has caused a significant amount of upset. It has led to him drinking the day before.  

“He is currently working as a chef down in Weymouth.”

Bibby, of St Thomas Street in Weymouth, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to the common assault of an emergency worker at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on July 10.

Magistrates said they viewed these matters ‘very seriously’ and as a result sentenced Bibby to a 12-month community order with one requirement to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £150 in compensation to the officer, as well as £85 in court costs and a £114 surcharge.