A MAN who assaulted a woman and then kicked and spat at police as they arrested him has been sentenced at a court in Cornwall.

Darren Paul Rashleigh, 34, of Loscombe Road in Four Lanes, Redruth appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday, May 20 on one count of assault and one count of assaulting an emergency worker.

The incident happened at the victim's address in Redruth on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

The court heard how Rashleigh and the victim had gotten into an argument whilst in a bedroom.

During the argument, Rashleigh punched the victim then grabbed her by the throat and pushed her backwards.

When the victim removed herself from the bedroom, Rashleigh followed her and barged her left arm with his shoulder.

Neighbours overheard the commotion and contacted the police.

Upon their arrival at the scene, Rashleigh was 'extremely unpleasant' to them and initially denied them entry into the property, causing officers to force entry.

Once they were inside, police attempted to arrest Rashleigh and, while doing so, he tried to bite, punch and kick them, as well as being verbally abusive.

After being arrested, Rashleigh was interviewed by police and remained silent.

The court also heard from Rashleigh's defence how he'd felt as if he made more sense after having a drink due to having been diagnosed as autistic.

It was also claimed that Rashleigh was remorseful for that day and wanted to make the most of his life.

During his sentencing, Judge Simon Carr told Rashleigh: "You pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

"You are a 34 year old man of previous good character and diagnosed as being autistic.

"You got into a verbal argument where you punched her, grabbed her by the throat and put her on the bed.

"You were then violent and aggressive to the police officers and spitting and drooling towards officers during the time of the pandemic.

"Your remorse for that day, I accept that as true."

Rashleigh was handed down a sentence of four months imprisonment, suspended for two years and made the subject of a two year community order.

He will also need to comply with a 120 day alcohol abstinence and take part in a rehabilitation activity for 20 days.