A MAN has admitted punching an police officer before kicking her on the ground.

Shaun Carlisle, aged 56, of Oxford Road in Cowley, stood in the dock of Oxford Magistrates Court this morning charged with beating an on-duty police community support officer (PCSO) who tried to break up a fight.

At around 9.25pm on Wednesday she was walking along Temple Road in Cowley when she spotted an altercation between two men. She asked them to stop but instead Carlisle punched her so many times she fell to the ground.

When she was on the floor he then repeatedly kicked the PCSO until a member of the public rushed to save her.

Read more: A day in the life of an Oxford police officer

She managed to press the emergency buzzer on her radio and within minutes officers were on the scene.

They arrested Carlisle and he was charged on Thursday.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Neil Bouse, based at Cowley police station, said: “Our PCSO had spoken to two men who were having an altercation, and there can be absolutely no justification for this type of assault.

“Thankfully, although shaken by the ordeal, our PCSO was not seriously hurt, and I would like to thank those members of the public that came to her aid.

“It is reassuring to know that these people did not walk on by, but helped our PCSO while she was being subjected to this assault.

“I am pleased that Carlisle has pleaded guilty to this offence and has been remanded in custody to await sentencing.”

Carlisle will appear at Oxford Crown Court on June 23 for sentencing.