Arrested man shoulder charged and kicked PCs

A boozy South Tyneside man whacked a policeman in the face when he shoulder charged him after slipping his handcuffs after his arrest, a court heard.

- by Gareth Crickmer

Luke McLaughlin, 23, of Winskill Road, Brockley Whins, South Shields, banged against the Pc’s lip after officers got him out of their vehicle to reapply his restraints.

The unruly shopfitter had first put his hands down his trousers to avoid being restrained - despite being ordered to place them behind his back.

For a reason not revealed, McLaughlin was then driven to Sunderland Royal Hospital, but his behaviour failed to improve - and he kicked another officer on his shins.

Magistrates in South Tyneside heard he committed the offences on Sunday, July 27, while subject to 12-month community order.