A MAN who sparked a rescue operation after jumping into the Mersey has been locked up for six weeks after assaulting a police officer.

Neil McCarthy, of Perrins Road, Burtonwood, pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty at Warrington Magistrates' Court today, Thursday.

Officers were called to the river near Honeysuckle Avenue at 8.10pm yesterday, Wednesday, after it was reported that the 39-year-old was swimming in the Mersey, off Saxon Park.

Firefighters, police and the force helicopter were deployed to the scene as part of the rescue operation.

The court heard the man assaulted an officer as the police rushed to his aid.

Andrew Page, prosecuting, confirmed officers saw the man on a section of wasteland at the scene before a 'struggle' ensued.

He said: "The police constable approached him and he became agitated.

"The police constable went to assess him but he kicked the officer's knee.

"The officer suffered redness to his knee."

McCarthy apologised to the officer after kicking out and admitted he was 'very intoxicated'.

Mr Page added: "He said he attended a Pathways meeting and then went for a drink.

"He went to the river bank but does not know why."

Peter Buckley, defending, said McCarthy would not be against going to prison.

He added: "It turned into a drinking binge.

"I have spoken to him and it is apparent he has long-standing issues with alcohol.

"He described jumping into the river as a cry for help.

"He gets depressed and is in that mindset after drinking, otherwise he's a perfectly pleasant man.

"As I understand it, he would not be averse to going to prison for a short amount of time.

"He thinks that may assist him in not drinking for a short amount of time.

"It is unusual mitigation from my point of view."

Despite activating McCarthy's suspended sentence, the magistrates reduced it to six weeks 'to reflect the good work' he has completed with the probation service.

McCarthy was sentenced to six weeks in prison for the assault, which will run concurrently with the six weeks handed to him after the suspended sentence was activated.

He was also ordered to pay the police officer £50 compensation.