A MAN who made a hoax call saying there was an armed robbery at a Hoole petrol station and later assaulted a police officer while being arrested has received a community order.

Michael Peck, 27, formerly of Manchester but now living in Blackpool, had pleaded guilty to making hoax calls and to attacking PC John Wszolek in the early hours of August 29.

At Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, September 24, Peck was also ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work and pay £50 compensation to the police officer.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds said PC Wszolek was asked to go to Hoole Road Shell garage in the early hours on the day of the incident amid reports of a taxi driver arguing with passengers.

The passenger – Peck – claimed the taxi driver was drunk and refused to pay a fare. The driver was breath tested and recorded a reading of zero.

Upon relaying that to Peck, Peck replied: "Are you going to test him for heroin?"

The police officer told the passengers to leave and they left in the direction of the Co-op store, where they sat and ate their pizzas.

At 4.40am, Peck was informed there was an armed robbery at the garage on Hoole Road, with a 'Bobby Munroe' making the phone call.

PC Wszolek arrived at the garage and was told by staff there had been no trouble. The officer then noted two pizza boxes nearby which looked like the ones Peck had been eating from earlier.

At 4.58am a message came through on the police radio that was from the same 'Bobby Munroe' – now believed to be Peck, that people had arrived at The Chester Fields pub with firearms.

Four officers went to the pub, saw Peck there and tried to arrest him.

He resisted and refused to let go of the mobile phone in his hand.

Peck kicked out at PC Wsolek's stomach causing him to fall backwards – this did not cause any lasting injuries but PC Wsolek was temporarily in fear for his own safety.

Peck was then further restrained and taken into custody.

In interview, he said he was very drunk and very stupid.

He had 21 previous offences on his record, the most recent of which was in 2016 for drink-driving and driving while disqualified, for which he received a suspended sentence.

Peck, who defended himself, said: "I am sorry and very embarrassed about it. I could do with a little bit of help."

He had voluntarily attended AA meetings.

Magistrates handed Peck a 12-month community order to include a rehabilitation activity requirement totalling 35 days, including an alcohol activity requirement.

He must also pay £85 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.