A YOUNG Carlisle man’s attempt to help his friend on Christmas Eve last year led to him facing two police assault charges.

William Murray, 22, admitted both charges at the city’s magistrates’ court.

Prosecutor Diane Jackson said the trouble started in a taxi as a group of people began arguing, prompting the driver to pull over and ask police to intervene.

It was as the defendant’s pal was being arrested and handcuffed that Murray, of Beverely Rise, Harraby, pulled an officer’s arm.

He was trying to stop the arrest. He then approached another officer, clenching his fist and swearing.

John Smith, for Murray, said the defendant was a model passenger in the taxi.

The second common assault - because it involved no physical contact but merely a fear of violence - would not even be considered an assault in Scotland, said the lawyer.

Magistrates imposed a £200 fine, noting that Murray had recently started work.