A 44-YEAR-OLD man has pleaded guilty to assaulting a PCSO.

Richard Lowery admitted the incident, which took place in Beckenham High Street on September 4.

PCSOs Luke Ivison and Lauren Revell from the Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team were on mountain bike patrol when they came across Lowery, who was drinking.

Lowery, of Barton Close, East Dulwich, was told he was in an Alcohol Free Zone and asked to surrender his drink.

He refused and then assaulted PCSO Ivison.

Following a struggle, Lowery was restrained and arrested for the assault and for refusing to give up his alcohol.

Lowery was charged with both offences and appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court on September 5.

He was sentenced to a 12- month community punishment order and must wear an electronic tag for two months.

PC Steve Allen of the Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team said "This is the first time a person has been convicted of the specific offence of assaulting a PCSO.

"It's the first time anyone has been convicted of breaking the no drinking rules in Beckenham and is a major breakthrough for us."