Man damaged car and assaulted cop after refusing to move from the middle of busy Sunderland road in the early hours

James Snowdon, 30, of Roche Court, Glebe, made threats against the man – and then kicked a policeman sent to the scene.

His attack caused no serious injury to the PC, but left him feeling intense annoyance at being assaulted in the line of duty, magistrates in South Tyneside were told.

Prosecutor Glenda Beck said Snowdon was spotted by the motorist as he drove his Ford Fiesta along Sea Road, in Seaburn, Sunderland, at 12.05am on Friday, May 29.

He safely brought his vehicle to a standstill but watched in fear as Snowdon approached along one side and hit the car, causing £250 of damage.

Mrs Beck said that when the man got out to remonstrate, Snowdon made threats which forced him back inside his vehicle and to drive to safety.

Police arrived and tried to arrest Snowdon but he lashed out, kicking the PC on the leg, causing pain.

She told the court: “The defendant was walking down the middle of Sea Road. The driver had to come to a stop to avoid hitting him.

“As Mr Snowdon walked along the side of the car he punched a side panel, causing a dent.

“The complainant got out of the car, but Mr Snowdon said he would punch him, and so got back inside and called the police.”

She added: “The police arrive and find the defendant in the middle of the road, and they went to speak to him.

“He was identified as causing the damage and arrested, but he became abusive and thrashed around and kicked the police officer on the left side of a leg, which caused pain.”

Snowdon, who has no previous convictions, was taken to Southwick police station where he told officers he had been to the beach.

He said he could not recall damaging the car but had some recollection of assaulting the PC, for which he was sorry.

Annalisa Moscardini, defending, said: “He’s not someone who comes before the courts regularly.

“He is ashamed to be here and has asked how much it would cost to pay for the damage.

“He remembers the car stopping and doesn’t think that he would have damaged it deliberately.

“I understand how the young man may have felt in this situation, but Mr Snowdon didn’t try to assault him.

“He doesn’t remember much about assaulting the policeman when he was arrested.

“The officer shouldn’t have to be assaulted at work, but this was an assault where he hasn’t meant to hurt him.

“He says that he doesn’t normally drink, he hadn’t had a drink for four months. He’s not a well man, he’s got a lot of medical difficulties.”

The case against Snowdon, who pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and assaulting an emergency worker, was adjourned for reports to the same court on Friday, July 24.

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