Malachi Bates (18), from Totton, given suspended prison term for lashing out, spitting at and racially abusing Hampshire police officers who tried to arrest him

A TOTTON teenager who lashed out, racially abused and spat at officers who tried to arrest him, has been hit with a suspended two-month prison sentence.

Malachi Bates (18), tangled with four officers just before midnight on Friday 19th November after they responded to a report of an altercation involving knives, Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard.

When officers spotted Bates leaving the Mansergh Walk estate – where the defendant lives – he fled, but police caught up with him and challenged him with the use of a Taser.

After being initially compliant with officers' requests, Bates became uncooperative and resisted arrest.

Bates kicked out and assaulted two officers, while also spitting in their direction, the court heard, so was restrained. he then assaulted an officer, and became verbally and racially aggressive towards another.

In court, Bates pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker, a racially aggravated public order offence and causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

Ultimately, the Bench opted to suspend Bates’ punishment for 18 months, ordered he pay £205 court charges, and gave him a community order.

Ben Domican of Hampshire Constabulary said: "We take a zero tolerance approach to assaults on our officers, and do not accept that it is simply part of their day job.

"No emergency worker should turn up to work and expect to be assaulted or come to harm in carrying out their duties. As a force we will continue to work with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice.

"If you or anyone you know has been a victim of a hate crime, we would always urge that this is reported to police."