A MAN who lashed out at a police officer following a night out in Settle has been given a community sentence as a direct alternative to prison.

Johnathan Greenbank, 28, had admitted to drinking 10 pints of alcohol followed by shots on November 15, heard Skipton Magistrates Court today (Friday).

He finished the night at the Royal Oak Hotel in Market Place where he was aggressive to members of staff with one stating she had never seen anyone as angry and how she believed he was going to kill her.

The other woman stated how she had woken Greenbank up after he had fallen asleep and that she had refused to serve him because he was so drunk, said prosecutor Martin Butterworth.

Greenbank had squared up to people, including one of the female members of staff, and once outside with the pub doors locked, he had headbutted a window.

Pc Carr, called to the scene, described recognising Greenbank, that he had been intoxicated and acting ‘out of character’. Greenbank proceeded to lash out at Pc Carr and while lying on the road, aimed a kick at his head. Additional officers arrived and leg straps were fitted in an attempt to stop him kicking. Pc Carr received two kicks, one to his head, and the other to a forearm, which left him grazed, said Mr Butterworth who added the chief constable had stated the assault of police officers should not be tolerated.

Greenbank admitted assaulting an emergency worker, resisting arrest and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. In a statement, he expressed deep regret for his actions and apologised to all involved.

He said he remembered nothing of his ‘truly awful behaviour’, and that he had taken steps to ensure it never happened again including tackling his drinking and having bereavement counselling in order to cope with the suicide of his mother a few years ago.

He added that he did not want to lose his family, who he ‘loved more than life itself’.

Mitigating for Greenbank, John Mewies, said his client had not returned to the pub but had seen staff members since and had tried to apologise to them. “He has not touched a drop of alcohol since and has sought help from his GP and counsellors,” he said.

Magistrates sentenced Greenbank of Northfields Avenue, Settle to an 18 month community order with 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work. The bench also made a licensed premises exclusion order barring him from entering pubs in Settle for a year. He will also have to pay compensation of £100 to Pc Carr, costs of £85 and a surcharge of £90. They warned him any breach of his order could result in him being sent to prison for up to six months.