A motorist has been ordered to pay compensation to a policeman whose hand was hurt during a booze-fuelled incident in central London.
Simian Walker, 36, of Jutland Avenue, Hebburn, refused to alight his Mercedes in Aldersgate Street, Clerkenwell, when suspected of being drunk at the wheel.
He even shut the window and locked himself in, leading to his forced removal by several officers, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.
During the ensuing scuffle, a PC’s hand was injured – and magistrates have now ordered Walker to cough up £75 in reparation.
They also said the jobless bricklayer must pay £620 court costs after he failed to attend his trial in London in January.
He had denied resisting arrest and being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the limit, but was found guilty in his absence.
Prosecutor Lesley Burgess said: "Officers have seen a silver Mercedes in Aldersgate Street with its engine running and hazards lit.
"Mr Walker was in the driver’s seat. They began to speak to him to get his name.
"He was repeating himself, which made the officers think he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
"They try to undergo a roadside breath test, but he becomes obstructive and closes the window and locks the doors.
"He stops the officers from getting inside, he’s pushed them away. It takes several officers to get Mr Walker from the car.
"As a result, an officer suffers cuts to his hand in the process of getting Mr Walker from the car."
The court heard Walker, who is from London but now living with his girlfriend in Hebburn, has several previous convictions but none for motoring crimes.
Joanne Gatens, defending, said he was now seeking delivery driver work with internet giant Amazon – and urged them not to ban him from the roads.
She added: "He didn’t attend his trial because he moved to this area to live.
"The trial was set for January and he didn’t think it was possible to travel from Newcastle to London due to Covid restrictions.
"The vehicle was parked close to his then home address.
"I’m told he’s trying to get a job as an Amazon driver, and 10 points on his licence will allow him to do that."
When finally compliant, Walker gave a reading of 81mcgs in 100mls of breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs.
Ms Gatens said Walker, who pleaded guilty to an absconding charge, may appeal his convictions.
Magistrates also fined him £120 for being drunk in charge and handed him 10 penalty points, and he must pay a £34 victim surcharge.
There was no separate penalty for absconding.
