A POLICEMAN was granted £200 in compensation after a drunk man spat in his face.

The award was made to PC Justin Harrison, who had been called out to help arrest 24-year-old Daniel Smith, in Derby, on March 18.

Smith, of Thurrows Way, Chellaston, admitted assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

He was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs on top of the compensation.

He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and told that he must attend an anger management course.

Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court heard police were called following a complaint of domestic violence.

Peter Bettany, prosecuting, said that Smith became violent as he was being arrested by a different police officer.

Mr Bettany said the officer managed to get a handcuff on his right wrist and a leg restraint was also used.

PC Harrison was called to help as Smith was put in the rear of a police vehicle.

"The defendant then spat on to the top of his head and down his face," said Mr Bettany.

Smith began to bang his head against the cage saying he would "kill himself", said Mr Bettany.

When PC Harrison went to the rear of the van, Smith spat on the officer's chest.

Smith was told of the assault and replied: "Prove it, go on, prove it."

Later he apologised for it.

Rob Wetton, for Smith, said: "There are some fairly positive comments in the report of the probation officer, who has tried to give him as much help as she can."

Deputy district judge Gwyn Jones told Smith: "It is quite clear you were drunk and aggressive and gratuitously spat at the officer who was carrying out his duties."