TWO policemen were assaulted when they tried to breathalyse and handcuff Martin Pokora after he left a pub. Pokora was stopped outside the Black Horse in Littleport because he was not wearing a seat belt. He was compliant at first, but became agitated whe

TWO policemen were assaulted when they tried to breathalyse and handcuff Martin Pokora after he left a pub.

Pokora was stopped outside the Black Horse in Littleport because he was not wearing a seat belt. He was compliant at first, but became agitated when told he would have to take a breath test.

"There was a short argument about him going to the toilet, and officers said he would be handcuffed," prosecutor Emma Dmitriev told Ely magistrates.

Police sergeant Christopher Acourt was knocked against the police vehicle, with Pokora on top of him.

"Police constable Chris Dykstra got involved in the struggle, he suffered a couple of scratches," said Mrs Dmitriev.

"There was quite a struggle as the officers tried to control a very aggressive person, there was absolutely no need for it.

"Officers say it is very difficult when people start off reasonably compliant and then turn quite nasty."

Representing himself in court, 52-year-old Pokora, of The Hythe, Littleport, admitted two charges of assault.

He said: "Pressure had just built up, I got divorced recently, and the pressure of life got to me. I am ashamed of what I did; it is not in my nature."

Ordering Pokora to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £50 compensation and £95 costs, presiding magistrate Jane Lewin-Smith told him: "The officers were only carrying out their duty, and your actions led to one of them being slightly hurt.