A MAN who brandished a knife during a dispute with bail hostel staff kicked a police officer who arrested him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Powers was in handcuffs when he lunged at the officer and kicked him in the groin.

Powers, 32, of St Peter Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and using threatening behaviour. He was jailed for eight weeks and ordered to pay £122 victim surcharge of release.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said police were called to the probation hostel on St Peter Street where Powers was living after release from a jail sentence imposed for attempted robbery. Staff called police just after midnight when Powers threatened them with a knife.

“Officers went to his room and after a short stand-off were able to arrest him,” said Miss Akhtar.

“As he was being led away he kicked the officer in the groin area causing him immediate pain.”

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client lost his temper after being confronted by staff when he returned to the hostel the worse for drink. He was placed in handcuffs in such a way they were causing him pain.

“The police officer took hold of him in such a way it made the pain worse and he kicked out,” said Mr Taylor. “He knows his behaviour was not acceptable.”