A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student studying criminology found himself in court for assaulting a policemen.

Connor Rourke-Davies, of McIntyre Road, pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting PC Hemming when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 16.

Prosecuting Kerry Lovegrove told magistrates that officers were in The Cross, in Worcester, when they noticed some men engaging in a physical altercation.

She explained that officers spoke to the men including Rourke-Davies, who was described as "unsteady on his feet".

At this point, the 21-year-old kicked out and made contact with the shin of the police officer, causing PC Hemming to have a reddening of the area and an abrasion.

Rourke-Davies was then arrested but there was a struggle, before officers gained control of the situation.

Mark Turnbull, defending, said Rourke-Davies had no previous convictions, and had written a letter saying he was sorry for his actions, which he wanted passed on to the officer.

Mr Turnbull said: "He has no recollection of what happened.

"He was out with friends. He explains that he had too much to drink."

Mr Turnbull added that whichever way the magistrates chose to sentence him, he had received a punishment in losing his good character, which could damage the types of employment he is able to get in the future.

Magistrates decided to give Rourke-Davies a conditional discharge with a warning he would be punished for the assault offence, is he commits another within the next year.

Rourke-Davies was also ordered to pay costs of £100, a victim surcharge of £20, and pay compensation to the officer of £50 - a total of £170.