A BUILDER and landscaper did a “wheelie” as he rode his motorbike towards police officers who had to dive out of the way, a court heard on Friday.

James Lawrie, 34, of Woodside Avenue, Kinmel Bay, was jailed for twelve months. He was also banned from driving for two-and-a-half years with an extended test ordered. But a Caernarfon crown court judge refused a prosecution request to deprive him of the £3,000 motorbike which was allegedly used “as a weapon.”

Judge Timothy Petts remarked: "I don’t think it would be proportionate in the circumstances.”

Lawrie pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, three assaults on emergency workers, possessing cannabis and common assault.

Prosecuting counsel James Coutts said shortly after 1am on February 18 the ambulance service had been flagged down by Lawrie’s partner who had crashed her car, under the influence of alcohol, at Borth crossroads, Abergele. The defendant arrived at the scene and was threatening towards her and pushed her to the face.

Police were trying to find out what had happened when they heard the motorbike engine revving and it was ridden towards them, the prosecutor said.

PC Jonathan Bradshaw – who later described it as one of the “scariest” situations he’d faced and said he was shaking - discharged incapacitant spray and Lawrie crashed. However, the bike struck the officer’s leg and knocked a second PC to the ground.

Mr Coutts said Lawrie was wrestled off the bike but he punched PC Bradshaw and there was a struggle during which he spat towards police.

A spit hood was used before the defendant had been handcuffed. He was over the drink-drive limit.

“During his time in custody he continued to be aggressive towards officers, shouting and swearing,” the barrister alleged. He’d punched a PC in the face and was restrained.

PC Kate Fletcher, who’d been knocked over by the motorbike, had a large scratch on her arm and was considering quitting, the court heard. Another policeman said he’d been “shaken up” and a further constable had a cut hand following that night.

Mr Coutts added that Lawrie had 54 offences on his record.

Defence counsel Elen Owen said it was a case of “throwing the book” at Lawrie and suggested perspective had been “lost” in some statements.

Family man Lawrie, highly-thought-of by friends, had worked hard to turn around his life.

The barrister said the couple had been to an 18th birthday celebration but his partner went out in the car and crashed. Lawrie “lost his head.”

According to the defendant, his path had been blocked by the officers and he lost control of the bike before there was any contact. Lawrie had injuries as a result of the way he was “quite properly” apprehended.

Judge Petts told Lawrie :”What you did that night was clearly unacceptable and so serious only immediate custody can be justified.

“Police officers have a right to expect the public don’t deal with them in this way.”