A MAN has been given a suspended prison sentence after headbutting a police officer.

Neil Townsley, 33, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker, when he appeared at Workington Magistrates’ Court.

The defendant, of Pennine Way, Carlisle, assaulted two police officers in Whitehaven on August 18 last year.

Townsley, who was “under the influence” when the offences took place, had headbutted one of the officers. He also had a previous record for violence.

Magistrates felt the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

Townsley must complete a 40-day alcohol abstinence monitoring programme and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days with the probation service.

He was ordered to pay £50 in compensation to the police officer, £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

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