A Darlington man has been fined for assaulting a female police officer.

Louie Barr, 21, of 9 Harris Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to assaulting the police sergeant on September 27, 2024.

A hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday was told that the assault took place while the officer was performing her duties.

The offence was aggravated due to the victim being an emergency worker, which typically incurs a higher penalty.

Barr was fined £300 for the assault, with a further £85 ordered to be paid to the Crown Prosecution Service.

In a separate matter, Barr also faced charges for failing to surrender to police/court bail at the appointed time on October 17, 2024.

He pleaded guilty to this charge, and the court imposed an additional fine of £100.

An offence related to failing to answer to court/police bail as soon as practicable was withdrawn.

Barr's legal troubles stem from an earlier incident in Peterlee on October 7, when he was released on bail in connection with other criminal proceedings.

The court took into account Barr's guilty plea and his circumstances.