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Chronicle Live
National
Sara Nichol

Man kicked police officer who was trying to help him as he struggled to breathe

A man who was struggling to breathe kicked a police officer who was trying to help him.

Michael Robinson also lunged towards the constable with a "violent stance" after he picked himself up off the ground on a street in Heaton.

A court heard that officers had been called to Rothbury Terrace after reports a male was having problems breathing and was lying on the floor.

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But, when they arrived at the scene, former heating engineer Robinson assaulted one of them as he tried to help, prosecutors said.

It ended with the 39-year-old being arrested and charged.

Robinson, of St Albans Crescent, in Heaton, has now been fined £120 after he pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker during a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.

Sarah Malkinson, prosecuting, said police were called to Rothbury Terrace on December 14 last year.

"They saw a male, who was this defendant, lying on the floor struggling to breathe," Ms Malkinson continued.

"A female was present and tried to intervene and was very obstructive.

"The defendant was trying to get up. He kicked one officer, striking the heel of his left leg.

"The officer stepped back to stay at a safe distance so he would not be assaulted any further."

The court heard that Robinson managed to get to his feet before lunging with a "violent stance" at the constable.

The prosecutor added: "The defendant was told to get back. He lunged again then obeyed instructions and got on the floor."

Magistrates were told that Robinson, who has five offences on his record, caused no injury to the officer.

Kate Matthews, defending, said: "He recently lost his employment and has been housebound due to mental health problems.

"He had a panic attack with hallucinations as it was the first time he had left his property. He was actually walking to a friend's house to hand over a lateral flow test.

"A member of public phoned the police as they thought he was having a heart attack. He bitterly regrets his actions."

Robinson was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

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