A MAN who was being arrested grabbed a police officer by his private parts and twisted and squeezed them.

Blackburn magistrates heard Abdul Muhith refused to let go even when the officer punched him in the face.

But he released his grip after a second punch to the nose.

Muhith, 20, of Hurtley Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting an emergency worker and racially aggravated threatening behaviour. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £100 compensation to PC Nicholas Haworth and £50 to Inspector Simon Lynch on his release.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police were called to the defendant’s home at 1.37am on July 6 after his family reported trouble. The officers spoke to Muhith who became abusive.

“The family asked the police to remove the defendant from the house,” said Mrs Yates.

“He was very aggressive and appeared to be under the influence of either drink or drugs.”

PC Haworth took hold of him and told him he was being arrested for a breach of the peace and Muhith swung out hitting the officer on the cheek.

“As the officer took him to the floor Muhith got hold of his testicles and penis and twisted, causing him extreme pain,” said Mrs Yates. “The officer punched him on the nose but he still refused to let go and only released his grip after a second punch on the nose. During the struggle he kicked out catching Inspector Lynch in the chest.”

Mrs Yates said the inspector used pepper spray to gain compliance before putting Muhith in a police vehicle.

“On the way to the police station he was making threats to assault PC Haworth,” said Mrs Yates. “He called him a white b******.”

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had difficulty responding correctly when confronted by figures of authority.

“Had he left when the police asked him to there would not have been any problem but he panicked because he didn’t have anywhere else to go,” said Mr Price.

“Despite what was a very unpleasant incident PC Haworth did not suffer any injuries.”