A MAN attempted to open a police van to set free a person who had been arrested in Barrow, a court heard.

Joel Whalley, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty at the first opportunity to obstructing/resisting constables in execution of their duty and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Lee Dacre, prosecuting, said the incident occurred outside the McDonald’s on Dalton Road at 5:20 am on May 27 with other members of the public present.

Mr Dacre told the court Whalley – aged 21 - had been videoing PC Robinson and PC Burgess on his mobile phone on the night in question.

He said the defendant then tried to open the police van door and cage to let the member of the public free.

The court was told Whalley then threatened to fight and beat up the officers before proceeding to stand in front of the vehicle so officers could not drive off.

Mr Dacre said the defendant had no previous convictions.

In mitigation, Karen Templeton said her client had been out drinking and reacted in the way he did as he believed the officers were being ‘heavy-handed’ when arresting the member of the public.

She added: “It was a regrettable thing to do. He is sorry about what has happened. It was something of a one-off incident. Hopefully this will be the last time he is before the court.”

Chair of the bench, Michael Halshaw fined Whalley £120 for his actions.

He told the defendant: “It is sad at your age that you now have a criminal record. It was a drunken, stupid and abusive act.

Whalley was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a £48 surcharge.