A "reckless" man who got so drunk he had to be carried out the pub by police lashed out and hit a female officer assisting him.

Harry French had gone to the George Vaults pub in Rochester on Christmas Eve but got so intoxicated he ended up in a heap on the floor.

Staff at the high street venue called police as the 28-year-old was causing a disturbance and had suffered an eye injury.

When officers arrived at the pub during the early hours of Christmas Day they tried to pick him up and carry him out of the venue so he could go home.

But as the five officers assisted him up, French kicked out and hit one female officer on the shin.

French was arrested and later charged with assault on an emergency worker.

He appeared before magistrates in Medway on March 29 where he admitted the offence.

James Nichols prosecuting said: "Police were called and officers tried to move him as he was causing a disturbance but he kicked out at the officer and hit her on the shin.

"It was on a reckless basis which is accepted by the Crown."

Alan Balneaves defending told the court French, of Holborough Road, Snodland, had only gone to the pub as he'd received bad news that his daughter would not be going to his home for Christmas.

Mr Balneaves added: "Five officers were dragging him off and his leg came out. They moved him and he felt he was being manhandled.

"They were trying to help him and get him home for Christmas.

"In interview he said he was sorry for his actions. It was silly and he had been drinking too much. He should have gone with the officers in a better way."

French was fined £500 for the offence and ordered pay the officer £100 compensation.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £200 and £85 costs.