A MAN attacked and sprayed an officer with police ‘pepper’ spray as she tried to arrest him for kicking in a door, a jury heard.

Wayne Birtwell, 24, had grabbed the spray from another officer and aimed it at PC Joanna Robson.

He had already twisted her wrist and left her in pain after she had taken hold of him, Burnley Crown Court was told.

Birtwell, of Brunshaw Avenue, Burnley, denies assault with intent, and making use of a firearm (the pepper spray) on June 19.

Sara Dodd, prosecuting, told the court the defendant’s neighbour in Thursfield Road, Burnley, flagged down police after Birtwell was said to have kicked in his door.

PC Martin Ward and PC Robson went to the property to look for the man who had caused the damage.

PC Robson saw Birtwell talking on his mobile phone.

He refused to tell her his name. The officer persevered, but the defendant insisted he was busy.

PC Robson told him she was going to arrest him, but he said: “No you’re not, I am too busy.”

She took hold of Birtwell’s arm and he took her wrist and twisted it, hurting her.

Miss Dodd said the officer was in pain and PC Ward intervened.

He was unable to stop the defendant, stepped back and produced his spray.

Birtwell grabbed the canister from the officer and aimed and sprayed it at PC Robson.

Birtwell then threw PC Ward’s canister at PC Robson, before he was finally handcuffed.

The defendant was put in a police car, still kicking out at PC Robson.

The prosecutor said the alleged victim suffered soreness to her left arm and shoulder.

Birtwell was questioned after he recovered from the effects of the spray.

Miss Dodd said he accepted he kicked the door and accepted he had been struggling with the female officer, but claimed PC Ward hit him on the head.

He alleged he took the spray off the officer as a reaction, and said he didn’t know whether he had sprayed it.

(Proceeding)