A DEFENDANT who spat at a police officer and slapped them in the face asked a judge for a non-custodial sentence because he wants to move to Australia.

Sean Keane, 50, committed the offences when he was being taken to Colchester police station in August last year and later admitted to one charge each of assaulting an emergency worker and assault by beating.

At Ipswich Crown Court on Friday defence barrister Adam Budworth told a judge how Keane was hoping for a sentence short of a prison term so he could emigrate to Australia.

He said: “He has a sponsor in place – a custodial sentence won’t help [his cause].”

When Judge Richard Conley addressed Keane about his poor compliance with the probation service since committing the offences, the defendant interjected several times.

The judge said: “Can you not interrupt me, please – I am trying to help you here by adjourning this sentence.

“There seems to be some suggestions you have not been keeping your end of the bargain with probation.

“This is going to be your last opportunity.”

Keane, of Bromley Close, Ipswich, will meet with probation next month so a pre-sentence report can be prepared.

He is due to be sentenced on Tuesday, October 29.