Runcorn man attacks police after fight outside The Alchemy

Lewis Thomas was fined after admitting criminal damage and two counts of assault on a paramedic.

On Wednesday, Warrington District Court heard how the 22-year-old attacked police officers when they tried to help him.

Prosecutor Gloria McGinlay said police were called to High Street in Runcorn after CCTV experts observed a fight outside The Alchemy.

When the officers arrived, they found Thomas verbally abusing them.

Thomas tried to hit one of the officers but missed.

He then spat in the direction of the other officer and missed him again.

He was arrested and taken into custody, where he repeatedly spat on the ground despite warnings from the police.

Defense attorney Julian Tutchener-Ellis said his client was “quite vulnerable” and suffered from anxiety and depression.

He had most recently been prescribed Venlafaxine, but he had stopped taking it immediately before the crime because he believed it was making him feel worse.

A friend had invited Thomas because he felt he needed cheering up.

Thomas had drunk “quite too much,” said Mr Tutchener-Ellis.

In a panic, Thomas sat down in front of the Alchemy, where friends and people came to check on him.

People started touching Thomas, even though he had forbidden them to, which led to an escalation.

Mr Tutchener-Ellis said when police arrived, Thomas was “victimised” and was lying on the ground “unresponsive” and “injured”.

As officers approached him, he lashed out and was subsequently sprayed with pepper spray – which explains why he was spitting in the holding cell.

“He would apologize (to the officer), he regrets his actions,” Mr Tutchener-Ellis added.

Magistrates decided to impose a total fine of £120 on Thomas, of Sycamore Road, Runcorn.

He must also pay a compulsory surcharge of £48 and costs of £85.