A SKIPTON man spat at and kicked a police officer after crashing into a parked car and narrowly avoiding a second vehicle, magistrates heard.

Richard William Foster, 29, had stayed out all night drinking and, after returning home in a taxi in the morning, had driven away in the family car, the Skipton court was told.

He hit a parked car before almost colliding head on with a van on September 26.

Prosecuting, Martin Butterworth said Foster drove to a layby where he was found by PC Ferguson.

Foster was abusive to the officer, who described him as barely able to stand. He was put in handcuffs in the back of the police car, but tried to get out, kicking the officer twice and spitting in his face.

Foster, of Rombalds Drive, admitted failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and two charges of failing to stop after an accident. He also admitted assaulting PC Ferguson and resisting him in the execution of his duty.

In mitigation, John Mewies said Foster, who works for a fast food restaurant, had acted completely out of character. He had been drinking because it was the anniversary of his father's death.

On Friday, he was given a 12-month community order with 100 hours' unpaid work and banned from driving for 18 months. He will also have to carry out up to 21 days of rehabilitation activities and pay criminal courts charge of £150, costs of £85 and a £60 surcharge.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer.