(Image: The Northern Echo)
A North East man who admitted assaulting a police officer has been given a conditional discharge after magistrates heard he was addressing addiction issues and engaging with support services.
Christopher McMullen of Whitby Street, Hartlepool, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on September 25.
The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to assaulting a PC in the execution of his duty on July 13, 2025, in County Durham.
The court heard how McMullen was working positively with support agencies, had stable accommodation, and was making efforts to address his addiction issues.
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Taking this into consideration, magistrates handed him a 12-month conditional discharge.
In addition to the discharge, McMullen was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the officer. No order for costs was made.
An offence of common assault of an emergency worker was withdrawn.