A FATHER had to be pepper-sprayed in front of his children after he resisted an officer who suspected he had been driving a stolen car, a court was told.

Lee Haile of Marlborough Gardens, Malvern, admitted using threatening or abusive words towards an officer and obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday, August 18.

The 36-year-old had attracted the attention of PC Matt Digger as he drove along Richmond Road, Malvern, before the officer followed him along Church Road.

Kamar Uddin, prosecuting, said Haile was observed driving at 50mph before he pulled up at an address at Marlborough Gardens before the incident on July 1.

PC Digger said the vehicle was registered to a woman and he left his vehicle to speak with Hailes who who 'walked away from the vehicle and the officer at speed' towards the door of one of the houses.

Mr Uddin said when challenged by the officer Haile asked if he was being arrested. When PC Digger said 'no' Haile swore at him before knocking on the door.

The registered keeper of the vehicle answered the door and told PC Digger that Haile did not have permission to drive the car and he was arrested on suspicion of theft.

As PC Digger tried to handcuff him 'the defendant span around and snatched his arms free'.

Mr Uddin said: "He shouted out to the defendant to stop resisting and again stepped forward to take hold of his right arm.

"The defendant at this point began to comply but then span around and snatched his arm free. His left arm was swinging around in the direction of PC Digger."

At this point PC Digger got his incapacitation spray out and pressed his emergency button to alert the police control room. Haile then made his way inside the house and PC Digger followed him inside where he restrained him in the kitchen.

Mr Uddin said Haile 'shoved his elbows backwards in direction of the officer'.

"He felt he had no option but to use his incapacitation spray which he did."

He was then handcuffed.

Haile who represented himself said he had 'nothing to say' but claimed he had resisted outside, not inside the house where his children were present.

A stand-down report was ordered and a probation officer who had spoken to Haile was told by him that he felt the officer had 'man-handled' him.

Tony Fussey, chairman of the bench, said: "We're very concerned this happened in the presence of your children. That has given us pause for thought as to what we should do."

Magistrates fined him £150 for threatening behaviour. For obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty they made a 12 month community order which will include 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £120 court costs.