Blackpool man spat at police officer after beer and cocktails binge

Kyle Griffin, of Northumberland Avenue, North Shore said the mix of strong lager and spirits “sent him off the rails” at Garlands on December 16.

The 18-year-old admitted assaulting the officer and being drunk and disorderly at the Talbot Road bar when he appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, March 8).

He also admitted failing to attend mandatory sessions of unpaid work imposed as punishment for a previous offence.

Pam Smith, prosecuting, said police were called to deal with a drunken Griffin after he refused to leave Garlands on a busy Friday night in the run-up to Christmas.

He was ordered to leave the bar but later returned and continued to cause a disturbance. While being arrested, he verbally abused an officer and spat in his face.

Gary McAnulty, defending, said his client had started to undertake his unpaid work and had found stable accommodation.

Deputy District Judge Laura Nash told Griffin: “Spitting at a police officer who is trying to do his job in the nighttime economy is awful.”

She sentenced him to a six week jail term suspended for a year and ordered him to complete 100 hours unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation days.

He must also pay the officer £154 compensation.