A MAN from Buckinghamshire has avoided an immediate prison sentence after assaulting a woman and a female police officer in Bournemouth.

Lewis Tommy Evans, aged 29 and of Five Acres, Chesham, admitted the two offences, which took place in Exeter Road late on Saturday, July 4.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At around 11.35pm on Saturday, July 4, officers on patrol in Exeter Road were alerted by a member of the public to a reported altercation involving a man and woman who were known to each other. It was reported that the man assaulted the woman.

"Officers attended and arrested a 29-year-old man from Buckinghamshire on suspicion of assault.

"During the arrest he reportedly kicked out at officers, connecting with the face of one officers. The officer did not suffer any serious injuries and the man was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. He was subsequently charged with both offences."

Evans appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Monday, July 6, where he was handed two 12-week prison sentences to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £120 compensation and £85 cost for the assault on the police constable, as well as having treatment for alcohol dependency for six months.

The defendant also admitted a breach of a conditional discharged imposed by Buckinghamshire Magistrates' Court on January 17 in relation to two offences of assaulting emergency workers. No action was taken on the breach.