A MAN has been handed a community order after he flew off the handle and assaulted two police officers after being arrested for breaching an interim Sexual Risk Order.

Dontae Justin first breached the order in November when he attended a police station to tell officers he had a new phone and had erased the data on his old one before selling it.

In February, police were notified by a concerned mother who said someone had been contacting her son, 11, offering to buy him gifts.

The man behind the Whatsapp messages, who claimed to be 13, was Justin and he attended Colchester Police Station for interview on February 12.

After his arrest the 20-year-old became agitated and was placed in a holding cell, where officers were forced to restrain him more than once.

During his time in the custody he kicked one officer, punched another, threatened to spit and made threatening and racist remarks towards a third.

Justin was charged with two counts of breaching an interim sexual risk order, two counts of assault on an emergency worker and one of racially aggravated behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He attended Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday for sentencing.

Jerry Hayes, prosecuting, described Justin’s offences as “substantial and troubling”.

Shade Abiodun, mitigating, said her client had mental health problems and learning difficulties.

She said: “The first words he uttered to me this morning was he acknowledges he needs help. He is 20 but clearly from the reports of the doctor and probation service there are some deficits in his learning ability.”

Judge David Turner handed Justin, of Goodmayes Avenue, Ilford, a 36 month community order. He must complete the New Me Strengths programme, 30 rehabilitation days and 180 hours of unpaid work within a year.

Justin’s location will be monitored for four months and a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order put in place.

Judge Turner said: “Believe me, I am treating you with a degree of mercy today.

“If you decide not to accept the help there will only be on consequence - a departure to prison.”