Drink-driver assaulted copper

A Ford Escort that was being driven by unemployed 30-year-old Worksop man Michael Hodgkinson was stopped by police on Mill Street in Clowne, near Worksop on Friday 9th March this year.

Hodgkinson then failed a roadside breath test and was arrested and placed in the back of a police car.

“En route to custody the defendant swung his head in the direction of an officer and made contact with his nose and forehead,” Fernando Rodrigues, prosecuting, told magistrates at Chesterfield.

Hodgkinson, of Plants Yard, Bridge Street in Worksop, pleaded guilty to charges of drink-driving and assaulting special constable Thomas Warsop.

The court heard that he had a previous conviction for drink-driving in 2007.

“There was no serious injury but there was an assault,” District Judge Andrew Davison told Hodgkinson.

He imposed a three-year driving ban, to be reduced to 27 months if Hodgkinson passes a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

Hodgkinson also received a one-year probation supervision order and a 7pm - 7am curfew for the next 12 weeks. He must also pay £50 in compensation to PC Warsop, with £85 costs.

“It is highly likely the court will impose custody if you breach this order,” Mr Davison told him.