A South Tyneside man drunk at home on Christmas Eve struck fear into a policeman by making a “sharp movement” towards him, a court heard.

Liam Macmillan, 37, thrust his head towards the officer but did not make contact at the address in Temple Street, Tyne Dock, South Shields.

But his actions were enough to cause the lawman to take evasive backwards action in fear he could be attacked, prosecutor Glenda Beck said.

Borough magistrates heard Macmillan had summoned police in a 999 call over an incident that was domestic related.

Mrs Beck said: “The officer has provided a statement and says that he responded to a report to attend an address, following a 999 call made from the address.

The hearing took place at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. | Iconic Media

placeholder image — The hearing took place at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. | Iconic Media

“There was a domestic report and on arrival, officers spoke to a female and saw a male at the top of the stairs, this being Mr Macmillan.

“He was standing square on to the officer and appeared unsteady on his feet. He said to the officer, ‘Am I getting locked up?’

“The officer replied, ‘No, but you’ll be leaving the address’. The defendant said, ‘Are you going to do me, like?’

“The defendant adjusted his stance and thrust his head towards the officer.

“The officer said, ‘I flinched back and thought that unlawful violence was going to be used against me’. The defendant was arrested for assault on an officer.

“He was taken to a police station where he was calm and compliant and apologised for his behaviour.”

Macmillan pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault of a police officer.

Warren Ridley, defending, said: “Mr Macmillan has limited memory of what went on after the police arrived but doesn’t dispute what the officer says.

“It was a sharp movement of the head that the officer feared. Mr Macmillan regrets that.

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“He made the 999 call because he was there and was summoning assistance from police.

“There is no excuse for his actions, and he is remorseful for his actions. He does have a record but since 2020, he only has the two convictions from last year.”

Magistrates fined Macmillan £120, with £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.