A HEROIN-USER who kicked a police officer and then repeatedly threatened him on the way to custody has been given a community order.

Police attended the home address of Christopher Gunn, 36, on June 4, following an incident that had taken place, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant confirmed he had been taking heroin. He was initially going to be taken to hospital but became resistant while coming down the stairs.

He became aggressive to one of the officers, threatening to headbutt him. He was handcuffed and while he was being placed in the police van, he kicked the officer.

Gunn was told he was under arrest for assaulting an emergency worker, to which he replied, “I couldn’t give a f***”. He repeatedly threatened the officer while in the cage of the police van.

Ms Fee said the defendant had “quite the record for offending” and was last before the court in December 2021.

Gunn, who was not legally represented, said he was sorry but had nothing else to say about the offence.

The defendant, of Chapel Street, Egremont, had pleaded guilty at an earlier date to assault by beating of an emergency worker.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and an 80-day alcohol abstinence programme.

Gunn was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.