A man who butted someone at a railway station and assaulted police officers sent to investigate was told he was lucky not to have been sent to prison.

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard how Marc Bryan, 21, became aggressive towards youths gathered around a bench at Colchester Town railway station at about 5pm on June 5.

Bryan went away, but returned, and while he was talking to Bradley Quinsee, one of the youths, Bryan removed his cap and sunglasses before butting Mr Quinsee, the court heard.

James Howard, prosecuting, said Bryan then said: "If you think that hurt, you should see my fists."

The victim called police and when officers arrived, Bryan asked them what they were arresting him for before he became violent, pushing, kicking and throwing punches towards the officers.

He swore at police and CS gas was used on him. The officers sustained cuts and grazes.

Bryan admitted one charge of common assault and two of assaulting a police officer. Trevor Linn, representing Bryan, said his client accepted his behaviour was disgraceful and didn't seek to excuse it.

He said Bryan, of Crown Road, Clacton, had problems with alcohol and drank an excessive amount.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community rehabilitation order as a combined punishment for all the offences, and told him to join the general offending behaviour programme.

Bryan was told to pay £50 to each police officer he'd attacked and £150 to Mr Quinsee.

He was also given an extra 20-hour community punishment order after the court heard he had breached an existing order.

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Published Monday, December 13, 2004

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