South Shields man resisted arrest after police called to 'group of males fighting' in street at 4am

Graeme McGeary, 27, of Roman Road, South Shields, held on with one hand after a female officer put handcuffs on the other in a bid to restrain him, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

At one point police were poised to pull out their incapacitant sprays – and did call for back-up - due to his aggressive behaviour at 4am in Anderson Street on August 18.

McGeary admitted resisting arrest and being drunk and disorderly.

Prosecutor Muneeb Akram said: “Officers are diverted by CCTV footage showing a group of males fighting.

“They attend and Mr McGeary is one of the people involved. It’s not practical to arrest him due to his behaviour.

“Handcuffs are applied on his left wrist, but he refused to give his other hand. He is aggressive in his behaviour.”

Mr Akram said officers considered using protective sprays, adding: “He put his hand through a railing and gripped the railing.

“He continues to be abusive and continues to grip and he continues to keep tight hold.

“They do manage to get his left hand off and he is placed on the ground. He smells of inebriating liquor.”

McGeary was fined £108 for obstructing police and £54 for being drunk and disorderly and was handed court costs of £310 and a £32 victim surcharge.