A MAN has been ordered to pay compensation to a police officer he pushed while in custody.

Mark Carey, 52, of Egmont Road, Poole, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker while in custody at Bournemouth Police Station on February 15, 2019.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing.

Prosecuting, Leigh Hart said he was taken to custody in relation to a different matter and then pushed PC Jon Rowland, a struggle ensued until the officer, who sustained no injuries, was able to apprehend him.

Mitigating, Robert Grey said the offence was a long time ago and said the defendant could best be punished with a conditional discharge.

Judge Robert Pawson sentenced Carey to a six-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £100 in compensation.

“He is a police officer doing a difficult job,” the judge said. “He is entitled not to be pushed by people like you.”