A MAN resisted police during arrest by picking up his Pomeranian dog, a court was told.

Police attended the home address of Gary Jenkinson, 36, in Egremont, to arrest him on June 10.

After 12 minutes of knocking and shouting, police indicated through the letterbox that they would force entry, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said the defendant then came to the front upstairs window. Police said they didn’t want to put the door in and Jenkinson then challenged them to do so.

When police gained entry, Jenkinson picked up a small dog, which officers believed was “an attempt to frustrate the arrest”. The defendant was “abusive” to the officers.

He was arrested and incapacitant spray was deployed.

Mr Kelly said it was a “deliberate obstruction” and police had been knocking on the door while the defendant was there.

Jenkinson, of Howbank Road, Egremont, pleaded guilty to resisting a constable in execution of duty.

John Cooper, defending, said: “Mr Jenkinson had an argument with his partner. There had been some words between them.

“The dog is a Pomeranian. He wasn’t happy about them coming in the house. He picked the dog up. He has got five or six police officers running in.

“After he is detained by police, he has struggled on the way to the van.

“I don’t think you can count a Pomeranian as a weapon or risk. He thought he would get the dog away and off the floor and then it’s safe.

“He is picking the dog up in the best interest of officers.”

Mr Cooper said it was 10 years since Jenkinson had last been before the court.

Jenkinson was fined £120. He must also pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.