Drunken thug elbowed cop in the face after needing help to get out of a taxi at South Shields Police Station

Jonathan Olley caused a cut and swelling to the police sergeant's lip when he struck him in the jaw with his elbow during a struggle.

At Newcastle Crown Court the 32--year-old, of Ellison Street, Hebburn, admitted assault on an emergency worker but claimed he had been "manhandled" by officers, who were "heavy handed" towards him.

Olley admitted his guilt on the basis the injury was caused unintentionally, when he flailed his arm recklessly and "wishes to apologise for it".

The court heard Olley had taken a taxi to South Shields police station on June 27 to attend a morning appointment but was too drunk to get out of the vehicle and officers arrived to help.

Prosecutor Joe Hedworth said Olley was difficult to understand, unsteady on his feet and was given support to get to a nearby police vehicle, to prevent him from "falling over".

The court heard it was when more officers arrived to assist that Olley started to lash out.

Mr Hedworth said: "The defendant, without warning, began to swing his arms around.

"The sergeant took hold of his left arm to stop anyone being injured. He explained he had the arm to stop him getting hurt.

"The defendant raised his elbow upwards, striking him to the left side of the jaw, causing a cut and swelling inside the lip."

In a victim statement the police sergeant said: "When he struck me with the elbow I was explaining what I was doing, it was to prevent him from harming himself or others. I had a loose hold of his arm, I wasn't using any significant force that would have caused him discomfort.

"There is no excuse for him striking me with his elbow."

The court heard that in police interview Olley said he had gone to the police station to ask if police were looking for him and said he was “manhandled by police, hoyed on the floor and wacked with a cosh”.

Mr Heworth added: “The defendant maintains that the police were heavy handed in dealing with him.”

Gavin Doig, defending, said there were a "number of officers" around Olley that morning.

Mr Doig added: "He realises he has a problem. He has asked for help addressing his alcohol.

"He is too old to be behaving like this. The public and the police shouldn't have to put up with it. He knows he has done wrong.

"It was flailing of an arm rather than a deliberate assault."

Judge Sarah Mallett sentenced Olley to a community order for two years with alcohol treatment and rehabilitation requirements, 120 hours unpaid work and £300 compensation order.

The judge told Olley: "Police officers do need to take steps to prevent harm to themselves and their colleagues and members of the public when they are dealing with people who are as drunk and unable to control their behaviour as you were."

Judge Mallett said Olley now realises he needs to address his problem and a community sentence would "support the progress he has made".