A SPORTS science student has been fined after he obstructed a police officer who was restraining his friend.

Senanu Avadzi was on a night out in Colchester to celebrate his friend’s birthday on June 17.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard Avadzi, 20, of Hatcher Crescent, Colchester, had been in Atik nightclub before heading to McDonald’s in the High Street with his group of friends.

A tussle had started to take place outside McDonald’s and police officers ended up restraining Avadzi’s friend, who had got into an altercation with another group.

It was at that moment Avadzi stepped in to try to get the officer away from his friend.

Kathy Wilson, prosecuting, said: “While the man was being restrained the officer felt an arm around his neck and tighten with force. He was struggling to breathe.”

She said Avadzi had been drinking and was slightly drunk. He saw three or four officers on his friend and he went over to get one of them off using his arm.

The Essex University student admitted the charge of obstructing a police officer yesterday.

Paul Baker, mitigating, said it was completely out of character for the student, who has no previous convictions.

He said: “From his perspective there were no issues in the club, but when he came out he realised others he was with were involved in a verbal altercation.

“He went into McDonald’s and bought himself some food while there were other incidents going on between the group.

“Officers attended to clarify what was going on, at some point his friend was taken to the ground by police.”

When Avadzi saw what was happening he tried to move the officer away.

Mr Baker said: “The actual incident lasted no more than two seconds but clearly the officer was quite rightly undertaking his job.”

The officer was not injured and there was no psychological harm.

Avadzi, who wants to become either a physiotherapist or part of the RAF, was fined £80.

Magistrate James Adderson also asked him to pay £85 in court costs and £30 as a victim surcharge.