A TEENAGER who kicked out at a police sergeant following a dispute with another man has ended up in court.
Christopher Burton, of Exceat Close, was spotted by officers on mobile patrol in the early hours of July 19 when they saw the 18-year-old involved in what looked like a fight.
Eastbourne magistrates heard how the defendant became abusive when offi
cers approached him.
As he was helped onto his feet he kicked the sergeant's feet from underneath him causing him to fall over, with Burton landing on top of him.
As he was being arrested he began swearing and threatened to kill the officers.
The court heard how Burton's friend, Leigh Sherwood, had witnessed the incident and shouted at Burton to calm down.
But he was arrested when police told him to leave the scene as he was not helping matters and he refused.
At a hearing on Wednesday Burton pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm and distress and assaulting a police officer.
Sherwood, 18, of Brodrick Road, pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm and distress.
He also admitted being in breach of a conditional discharge.
Jay Shah, defending for Burton, said, "I would like you to give him maximum credit for his guilty plea and after he was arrested he made full admissions and expressed genuine remorse.
"He admitted his language would have been quite rude. He accepts he did make contact with the police officer and feels that when he was restrained they used a 'pinch-lock' method and he was in a lot of pain at the time.
"He did what he felt he had to do at the time and that's the reason he kicked out. I would say he was acting completely out of character, it is his first time before you."
David Alexander, defending for Sherwood, said, "He pleaded guilty at the first occasion, give him credit if you can. He had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.
"He went over to get involved and tell Mr Burton to behave himself but one thing led to another.
"He candidly told me he has seen the webcam on the officer's hat and said, 'It doesn't put me in a good light'."
Burton was fined a total of £165 and ordered to pay £75 compensation to the police officer.
He was also ordered to pay £60 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Sherwood received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £60 court costs.
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