A FELIXSTOWE man who spat in a policeman's face after he was allegedly assaulted by officers, has been given a final chance to lead a law-abiding life.

By Richard Cornwell

A FELIXSTOWE man who spat in a policeman's face after he was allegedly assaulted by officers, has been given a final chance to lead a law-abiding life.

Scott Donaldson became angry with officers after he was arrested for stealing a car that turned out to be his.

Officers at Felixstowe Police Station refused to listen to his explanation about the car, and he was restrained by seven policemen.

South East Suffolk Magistrates Court heard that the 35-year-old of Grange Road, had his arms pushed up his back and was handcuffed.

He was pushed over a desk, his head was held down and one officer was "knee striking" him in the side, the court heard.

Donaldson said he spat out when he was released and spittle landed on Pc Bailey. He was found guilty of recklessly assaulting a police officer.

Donaldson was also convicted of failing to surrender to custody. He pleaded guilty to having no driving licence and to having no car insurance.

The court also heard that Donaldson pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour towards housing officer Helen Jones on a separate occasion.

Donaldson had gone to the Hamilton Road housing office to return some keys when he and Mrs Jones had a discussion about her son. Mrs Jones felt threatened by Donaldson and called the police.

The court heard that Donaldson had been beaten by his parents as a child. He had grown to mistrust people in authority and was now "fed up with being bullied".

Magistrates said: "We trust this will be the last time we see you. This is a last chance."

Donaldson was sentenced to an 18-month community rehabilitation order, told to pay a £100 fine for having no insurance and ordered to pay £50 towards court costs.