A MAN, who head-butted a police woman in the face as she tried to arrest him, has escaped a prison sentence.

Benjamin Rowbottom, of Tyne Close, Orford, unleashed a torrent of abuse at police officer Jennifer Riley, who had tried to help the defendant moments before he attacked her, a court heard.

The prosecution barrister said: “Police were called out by the defendant’s family after he had smashed a bottle over his head.

“PC Riley had gone to the scene to try to speak to the defendant but he told her it has nothing to do with her.”

Halton Magistrates Court heard how police had arrived at the family home on June 16 at 4.30pm to find the 28-year-old with injuries to his face.

But, as PC Riley attempted to speak to the defendant in a bid to calm him down, he became verbally aggressive towards her, using abusive and threatening language.

Despite warnings from the police, Rowbottom continued to issue threats in front of neighbours and around ten children, who were playing in the street.

After several failed attempts to encourage Rowbottom to return to the house, PC Riley tried to arrest him for a public order offence.

But Rowbottom, who had been drinking, immediately became violent towards PC Riley, head-butting her in the mouth causing a cut to her lip.

Rowbottom was arrested and taken to hospital via an ambulance to have his injuries checked over.

But the defendant continued to abuse staff at the hospital, later berating them with homophobic threats and insults.

Rowbottom pleaded guilty on July 21 to assaulting a constable in the execution of her duty.

District Judge Bridget Knight described Rowbottom’s behaviour as ‘disgraceful’, before adding that it was ‘a very shameful incident’.

Rowbottom was handed a 12 month supervision order and must complete five sessions of an alcohol activity requirement.

He was also charged £245 to put towards compensation, victim surcharge and prosecution costs.