A couple were yesterday sentenced for spitting in the face of a garage worker and pushing a police officer.

Ben Bolton, 28, and Katie Read, 22, both of Badburgham Court, Waltham Abbey, admitted assault at Thames Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon.

Prosecuting, Karen Phillips, told the court that on September 23, Bolton parked his car blocking the forecourt at Texaco Garage, in Hall Lane, Chingford.

He was told to move his car by a member of staff and was refused service until he did so, but Bolton proceeded to spit in his face.

Two police officers attended the scene and while arresting Bolton, one of the officers was pushed with both hands by his partner Read who was shouting and screaming.

She then racially abused the officer by saying “go back to your country”.

The court heard how the couple used the garage regularly before the incident.

Mitigating, Miss Hill said: “Ben accepts his behaviour was unacceptable, he accepts that he spat at the victim, but he said he parked in that same spot many times before and had not had an issue so he was startled when he was refused service.

“He has not had any previous convictions and there was a build up of emotion because he had issues with his accommodation and arguments with neighbours.

“Katie was very frustrated her partner was being arrested, she is in a much better place now than when this incident happened and she is remorseful."

Judge Jane McIvor sentenced Bolton to 120 hours of community service to be completed in 12 months and £250 compensation to the garage worker.

Read was ordered to pay £200 compensation to the police officer and £135 court costs.