A MAN who went to an unmanned police station to report a crime ended up being arrested.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael James Harries, 35, kicked the door at Accrington police station, damaging a small wooden panel.

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And after he had been arrested and taken to Greenbank police station he spat at a police officer who was trying to remove him from the van.

Harries, of Raven Hotel, Prees Heath, Whitchurch, Shropshire, admitted criminal damage and assaulting a police officer.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work and pay £100 compensation for the damage, £75 to the officer, an £85 victim surcharge and £40 costs.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Harries had been arrested outside Accrington police station where he had damaged the door panel at 12.30am.

When he was transported to Greenbank he refused to get out of the van and when an officer went to assist him, he spat at him.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Harries wanted to report that his phone had been stolen and had been banging on the locked door to attract the attention of the police.

“He was upset he had gone to report a crime and ended up being arrested himself,” said Mr Taylor. “Spitting is extremely unpleasant but there was no injury and no skin contact.”