POLICE responding to a report of a man being attacked with a machete found a man with a two-inch gash in the back of his head which was pouring with blood.

Blackburn magistrates heard that despite his injury Ben Upton said he would be “gone in three seconds” when the officers called for an ambulance.

And he lashed out, catching the officer in the face when he tried to stop him leaving.

Upton, 20, of Langroyd Road, Colne, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and a 30 hours attendance centre order. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to the officer, £85 costs and £90 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence District Judge Huw Edwards said the fact it was the defendant's first time before the courts had gone heavily in his favour.

“These offences are taken very seriously,” said District Judge Edwards.

“People in the emergency services are there to look after all of us and they have no need, nor do they expect to be treated in this way. All the officers were trying to do was to help you.”

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said officers were asked to attend an address in Brierfield at 5.45am on October 21 following a report that a man had been seriously injured. They spoke to the defendant who identified himself as Graham Watson.

“He had a wound to the back of his head which was pouring with blood and the officers immediately called for an ambulance,” said Miss Allan.

“When the officers tried to stop him leaving he lashed out, striking one in the face.

“There was then a prolonged struggle during which he spat blood at one of the officers and was kicking out.”

Upton was eventually put in leg restraints before being taken to hospital where he was treated for the wound to his head.

Miss Allan said the Chief Constable of Lancashire, Andy Rhodes, had reported 160 assaults on police in the first six months of the year resulting in 363 sick days. He said this had a significant impact on the community as it limits the service the force can provide.

Phillip Turner, defending, said his client had been extremely surprised and shocked when he was told how he had behaved.

“He has no previous convictions and this type of behaviour is not normal for him,” said Mr Turner.

He said Upton and some friends had been at a house when it was “invaded” by some other youths who decided they were taking over.

“When he asked them to leave he was struck with a machete and when the police arrived he was clearly distressed,” said Mr Turner.

He said Upton had writted a letter of apology to the officer involved which he hoped would be passed to him.