A MAN who spat at a police officer after being arrested claimed he had Tourette’s and ‘spit might have come out while he was shouting’.

Daniel Cardy, 31, had been placed under arrest on June 21 for a different offence. When told he was going to be arrested, he became verbally abusive to police and his partner, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant was placed into the vehicle and the officer had gone to the front to try and speak to him.

Cardy then ‘took a pill from somewhere’ and placed it into his mouth. There was a struggle and the defendant was Pava spayed.

The police car was deemed unsuitable due to Cardy’s behaviour and vans arrived on the scene. The defendant was searched and a cut was found on his leg.

Officers believed it needed medical attention and he was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital.

On the way there, Cardy promised officers he would ‘find them when they were out and about’ and ‘show them what he could do in mixed martial arts’.

After arriving at the hospital, Cardy kicked out at the officer and spat towards him, which hit the door. He continued with aggressive behaviour. He started to kick and headbutt the cage.

During police interview, Cardy was asked if he spat at officers. He replied that he might have been shouting and ‘a bit of spit came out’. He said he had Tourette’s syndrome.

Cardy, of The Ferns, Egremont, pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker.

John Cooper, defending, said Cardy had been given a custodial sentence for similar matters and this offence pre-dated the other matters.

Mr Cooper said: “Since his release, he’s been subject to post-sentence supervision. He’s doing a lot better. He’s co-operating well.

“He was in Calderwood House at one point then sleeping in a tent after falling out with the staff there.

“The kick was from a seated position. There’s no mention of any injury. The risk is less than if he was standing up.”

Cardy was given a 12-month community order with 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and was fined £120.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.