A SELF-published author who donated the proceeds of his book to Alder Hey Children's Hospital has been jailed for hitting a police officer with his own police baton.

Lloyd Groarke, of Buttercup Close, Sankey Bridges, was in Warrington town centre on August 17, when he fractured a police officer's finger, leaving him in need of surgery.

Prosecuting in Liverpool Crown Court today, Thursday, Kevin Jones said Groarke first caught the officer's attention for carrying nunchucks.

The court heard how the officer approached the now 28-year-old, who refused to give his name and resisted handcuffs when he was told he would need to be searched.

During the short struggle, the officer's police baton fell to the floor, which Groarke picked up and used to threaten the officer.

Mr Jones explained how Groarke managed to avoid the officer's incapacitant spray and lunged at him with the baton, striking the officer's hand.

Groarke managed to flee the scene but was soon caught and arrested.

The officer suffered a fractured finger, which required surgery, and still does not have full function.

He described it as 'a daily, permanent reminder which will affect me mentally and physically for the rest of my life'.

Defending Groarke, Desmond Lennon stressed that his client has no previous convictions and his behaviour was out of character.

He has since expressed his remorse and is ashamed of his actions.

Mr Lennon explained how Groarke had not set out to cause any trouble that day and had been to Waterstones in Warrington to buy a book.

He then met up with some friends who asked him to demonstrate the nunchucks, which Groarke did not realise were classed as an offensive weapon.

The court heard how, when the officer approached, Groarke panicked.

He accepted that he struck the officer, but says he did not want to harm him, only to stop himself from getting sprayed with the incapacitant spray.

Groarke was described in character references as always trying to educate himself, and is the author of a well-received book on Amazon, the proceeds of which he donated to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

He also participates in taekwondo and helps to teach children the sport.

Judge Thomas Teague, passing sentence in Liverpool Crown Court, described the incident as a sad case.

Addressing Groarke, Judge Teague said his mitigation included, 'the fact that you have no previous convictions and the fact there was only a single blow'.

He added: "I am also entitled to take into account the fact that you have donated the proceeds of your book, which you self-published, to a local children's hospital, which goes in your favour."

Despite this, Judge Teague said the seriousness of turning the baton against the police officer, who was carrying out his duty, was so serious that only immediate custody was justified.

Groarke was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.