A CARE worker from Northwich has apologised to a police officer after pleading guilty to a charge of assaulting an emergency worker.

Jack David Gowrie, 33, of Middlewich Road, said he had simply had too much to drink on July 20 this year when police attended an address following reports of an intoxicated male acting aggressively.

Gowrie, who was appearing without the representation of a solicitor at Chester Magistrates Court, had no previous convictions and said he was worried about what the impact of having a criminal record would have on his job working in a Bupa care home.

Alan Currums prosecuting, told the bench how police had been called to an address on Middlewich Road at around 9.30pm and when officers arrived at the scene, Gowrie was found in an intoxicated state and had been "throwing things around the house".

One of the officers, PC Pilkington, decided to escort Gowrie outside the house, with the intention of "building a rapport" and as he did so, noted how much his speech was slurred, believing the level of intoxication and his overall demeanour indicating more than just alcohol had been consumed.

Mr Currums said: "Out of nowhere, Gowrie pushed the officer in his right shoulder using an open hand.

"PC Pilkington didn't know what was going on and thought he might become violent and pose a risk to himself and others."

"Gowrie was then taken to the ground and led to a police van, where once inside, he head butted the walls of the cell."

Despite having no previous convictions, Mr Currums went on to tell Magistrates that assaults on emergency workers are on the increase and although no injury was caused on this occasion, PC Pilkington had the right to go to work without the fear of being assaulted.

Gowrie, defending himself, told the bench how he "didn't remember too much about the night" because he had had "a bit to drink" but accepted his actions had been totally unacceptable.

He said: "I completely hold my hands up over what happened.

"It was completely out of character. I did wrong and I fully accept the consequences.

"It was a serious offence and I even went to apologise to the officer the next morning before I left custody.

"I'd had too much to drink and had an episode."

When asked to elaborate how this particular incident could be considered as being out of character, Gowrie went on to say that although he had obviously been drunk before, never like he was on this occasion.

He added: "I hadn't taken anything else, it was just alcohol.

"I'd been having a few problems with a girl and that had led me to drink the amount I did that night."

Chair of the bench Timothy Mann said: "You pleaded guilty today to this serious matter.

"It might not be quite at the serious end and you have expressed your remorse.

"It is your first time in court and I give you credit for that and the early guilty plea.

"I hope we don't see you in court again."

Gowrie was fined £200 and must pay PC Pilkington £100 in compensation, as well as prosecution costs of £85 and a surcharge of £34.