Stuart Curry, 26, from Woodcroft Heights in Ballymena, received a one-year probation order and 75 hours of community service at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

Curry pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and possessing a claw hammer as an offensive weapon in Drumtara, Ballymena, on December 21 of last year.

Police responded to a report of a suspicious male in the area. Curry stated he came from a party at a nearby house.

Officers noted he appeared intoxicated with slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and unsteadiness. They arrested him and took him to hospital.

During placement into a police vehicle, Curry kicked an officer in the face. The officer suffered no lasting injury.

District Judge Nigel Broderick called the assault serious and noted concern over the hammer possession.

A defence barrister stated Curry had been homeless, had no memory of the incident and now works after turning his life around.