A MAN who kicked the dashboard of a police car and set of the siren appeared in court yesterday.

Police officers were forced to restrain Jason Crompton in the back of a police car, Darlington Magistrates' Court heard.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said police were called to a brawl in Station Road, Darlington.

The officers approached the group. Mr Maddison said the defendant became aggressive.

"He was shouting and waving his arms around, saying, 'I'm not getting locked up'.

"He was warned about his behaviour but continued."

Police officers handcuffed Crompton and put him in the back of a police car, where he kicked out at the dashboard, the court heard.

He continued to shout and swear and was restrained.

Crompton is serving a 12-month community order for public order offences.

Claire Brunton, mitigating, said he was remorseful and had problems with alcohol.

Crompton, 34, of Station Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, possession of cannabis resin and resisting a police officer.

He also admitted breaching a 12-month conditional discharge, imposed in January after he was found with a lock knife in a public place.

The case was adjourned until May 31 for a pre-sentence report.