A TRANSPORT manager of a family-run business caused a police officer to suffer the worst pain he has ever experienced following a drunken assault, a court heard.

Luke Armistead, of Rakesmoor Lane, Barrow, headbutted PC Greene before kicking him in the groin with a shod foot, prosecutor Lee Dacre said.

South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard Armistead – age 34 – resisted arrest after officers attended his home on October 13 last year following a report of an assault in Ulverston town centre.

The court was told the defendant received a financial penalty in May this year for ‘hitting out’ at a bouncer after he was ejected from a pub on the same day in question.

His defence solicitor Trystan Roberts said his client had suffered spinal injuries after the bouncer had thrown him to the floor which was why he assaulted him.

Mr Dacre said: “The defendant had left in a car before officers could arrive at the scene. They arrested him for the assault at his home address.

“He has then headbutted the officer to the side of his face and kicked the officer to the groin whilst being transported to the police van.”

The court was told the officer suffered ‘severe pain’ and was forced to vomit out of sight of the defendant at the front of the vehicle as a result of the blows inflicted.

In his victim impact statement, the court heard PC Greene said: ‘I have never felt pain like it.’

Armistead pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker at the first opportunity when he appeared at court on October 9.

Giving defence submissions on his behalf, Mr Roberts said his client had had a ‘particularly bad evening’.

Mr Roberts added: “He was particularly objectional and said he had done nothing wrong. He was heavily intoxicated and cannot recall either of the incidents.

“There is some kicking and he is told to stop resisting, but he is complaining to the officers about being in pain and is clearly in distress. He admits he has caused some discomfort to the officer.

“Everyone knows this can be very painful to be hit in that particular area. However, it is transient. There is no suggestion of long-lasting injury or difficulties. The officer has been able to finish his shift.

“He is a Transport Manager for a family-run business and I am told it is an extremely difficult, logistical and stressful job.

“Since this period of time in October he has not had a drink. He is shocked and appalled by his behaviour.”

Magistrates issued a stand-down all options pre-sentence report before passing sentence of a 12-month community order.

As part of the order Armistead was required to complete a 24-week curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am, a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring tag and five rehabilitation requirement days.

Chair of the bench Charles Crewdson said: “You were drunk to the point where you had no recollection of what you did.

“Your response was violent. You have recognised your behaviour was wrong and have stopped drinking. That is brilliant but sometimes people forget about that and will drift back into their old ways.

“The police officer suffered excruciating pain. He does not deserve that.”

Armistead was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation to PC Greene, as well as court costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.