A YOUNG man has admitted to spanking a police officer on the buttock in an attempt to show off to his friends after a night out.

Bradley Richmond, 23, was witnessed thrusting his hips and shouting at two police officers who were on foot patrol in Darlington town centre.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday how Richmond, of Hamsterley Street, Darlington, had been stood with his friends at around 3.10am on July 28, when the officers walked past.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: “The officers became aware of the defendant as he was shouting and thrusting his hips back and forth as he called to them.

“He then used his right hand to slap the buttock of the PC.”

Richmond, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assaulting a PC in the execution of their duty.

Mr Garside read out a victim personal statement on behalf of the PC involved who said he “felt violated”.

Richmond’s solicitor, Stephen Andrews, said: “It’s kicking out time and police are on foot patrol and on their way to another unrelated incident when they see Mr Richmond messing about essentially.

“It’s described as just showing off in front of his friends being silly and as the officer is walking past, he taps him on the bottom.

“He’s placed his hand where he shouldn’t have, so it is an assault. He is embarrassed and rightly so.

“He said he won’t be acting in this way again.”

Richmond was fined £112 and ordered to pay £25 compensation to the officer he assaulted. He must also pay £85 in court costs and £30 victim surcharge.