A MAN arrested for drink-driving tried to punch, bite and headbutt a police officer after he had been handcuffed.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officer responded by punching Krystian Potrykus in the face in self-defence.

Potrykus, 34, of Hamilton Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis, driving without insurance and a licence and resisting a police officer. He was fined £422 with £85 costs and banned from driving for 15 months.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the officers’ attention was drawn to a Mercedes when it almost collided with their vehicle.

“When he stopped the defendant he was clearly drunk and after giving a positive roadside sample was arrested and handcuffed,” said Miss Allan.

“He became agitated, forced his way out of the police vehicle and attempted to attack the officer.”

At the police station Potrykus said he would not give a sample until he had seen a solicitor.

The court was told the punch from the officer resulted in Potrykus needing hospital treatment.