A MAN who intervened in an arrest ended up attacking a police officer and getting handcuffed himself.
David Parkinson, 25, was said to have punched and kicked his victim and was "extremely violent" towards the officer and his colleague.
Parkinson later claimed he had seen his friend being arrested and did not agree with the way police were handling him.
He said he had had six pints, he denied punching the officer but said he might have kicked out, Burnley magistrates heard.
The defendant, of Piccadilly Road, Burnley, admitted police assault on May 15. He was given 90 days in jail, suspended for 12 months with supervision.
Christiana Buchanan, prosecuting, said Parkinson had no reason to intervene in the arrest taking place outside the Wood top pub in Accrington Road, Burnley.
The defendant approached and shouted to officers: "He's my mate. Let him go."
He was told to go away but punched the officer. Parkinson was taken to the floor, kicked the officer and was sprayed with incapacitant. Parkinson was told he was being arrested and kicked out again.
Graeme Tindall, defending, said Parkinson had a problem with drink.
Mr Tindall added a suspended sentence would have some control over the defendant and offer him some rehabilitation.
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