Teenager admitted kicking PC in head
The 16-year-old was among some 100 people drinking and dancing in the streets of Ilfracombe on New Year's Eve when the attack happened.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to assaulting the officer when he appeared before North Devon Youth Court on Tuesday.
David Burgess, prosecuting, said another person, a friend of the teenager, had been arrested, the officer was on the ground trying to restrain him and the defendant approached him.
He said: "With no hesitation and with force, and as if kicking a football, he was seen to kick the officer in the head."
The court heard the police had to deploy captor spray to keep the hostile crowd back and the officer was treated for his injuries at the A&E department of North Devon District Hospital.
Tony Dart, defending, said the teenager had drunk five cans of lager and a swig of vodka.
"He said: "He was full of remorse and shame-faced. He is not used to alcohol."
Mr Dart said the teenager cannot explain his behaviour and his mother and father were astonished.
He said: "He is a nice lad from a nice home. He realises how serious it is and how it could have been much worse.
"He is so embarrassed about what he has done and is truly contrite."
The defendant's mother told the court that her son has always been kind and caring and done well at school.
She said: "This is totally out of character. It was a total shock. He is deeply sorry and realises he could have killed him."
The 16-year-old was given an eight month referral order and told to pay £50 compensation.
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