A MAN was pepper-sprayed after pushing a police officer in the chest at a fast-food restaurant.
Unemployed Ashley Close, formerly of Wycoller Avenue, Burnley, who gave his address as Bright Street, South Shore, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to assault on police.
He was given a 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs with £15 victims' surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.
Prosecutor, Adrian Hollamby, said in the early hours of March 31 police were called to a disturbance at the KFC shop, Lytham Road, Blackpool.
Close was in the shop and as PC Adam Morris went to speak to him the defendant pushed him forcefully in the chest.
The officer believed he might be assaulted again and pepper-sprayed him.
The 40-year-old had two previous convictions for assault on police.
Suzanne Mugford, defending, told magistrates her client said he pushed the officer after he was pepper-sprayed. The officer was not injured and Close showed remorse immediately.
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