A MAN has been fined for assaulting a police officer after a disagreement with his girlfriend, a court has heard.

Daniel Smith, 27, of Kinnersley Close, Hereford, admitted the offence when he appeared before magistrates in the city.

Shafquat Reaz, prosecuting, said police called to a report of a domestic incident on August 18 saw Smith engaged in an angry exchange with a woman.

They tried to calm Smith down, but he became aggressive, pushed the officers, and a struggle ensued.

He was restrained, but when PC Emma O’Hare spoke to him he began thrashing his legs around, kicking her and causing a cut and bruising to her left hand.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, defending, said police had been called by a friend of Smith’s partner, who had mistaken the situation.

“He was trying to stop his partner from drink driving,” she said.

“He was arrested for assaulting her, and he took issue with that. He said to the officers that he was trying to stop her driving, but they did not take heed of him.”

She said Smith had reacted in an aggressive manner out of frustration and because being restrained had caused pain to an existing arm injury.

“He understands that if he had not reacted in that way then he would not be here today, and he apologises for his behaviour.”

Smith was fined £80 and must pay £50 compensation to PC O’Hare, costs of £185 and a £32 victim surcharge.