A FATHER-to-be who drunkenly assaulted two officers as he tried to light up a cigarette in the back of a police car is awaiting sentence.Kevin Yeomans was taken to the police station following a heated row with his former girlfriend, South East Suffolk Magistrates heard.

By AMANDA CRESSWELL

amanda.cresswell@eveningstar.co.uk

A FATHER-to-be who drunkenly assaulted two officers as he tried to light up a cigarette in the back of a police car is awaiting sentence.

Kevin Yeomans was taken to the police station following a heated row with his former girlfriend, South East Suffolk magistrates heard.

On the journey there he tried to light up a cigarette but became violent when he was asked not to, said prosecutor, Anita Addison.

As officers tried to handcuff Yeomans and during the resulting tussle, he lashed out with his feet causing minor injuries to both officers.

Neil Saunders, mitigating, said Yeomans – whose current girlfriend is expecting a baby – was ashamed of what he had done.

"It is very unfortunate that he finds himself in court today for what was utterly stupid," said Mr Saunders.

"The cigarette may have cost 20p but if you light it up in the wrong place it can be very expensive."

He said in his drunken state the 26-year-old, who admitted assault on police, took objection to being told not to light up a cigarette.

"From there a tussle ensued," said Mr Saunders. "Various minor injuries were inflicted on the police constables as a result of that struggle."

Bench chairwoman, Sue Humphrey, ordered reports before Yeomans, of the White Horse Public House, Tattingstone, returns to the courthouse for sentence on August 2.