An asylum seeker from Somalia has dodged punishment following an assault on a police officer at a Bournemouth migrant hotel.

Shafi Momad, 30, received a 12-month conditional discharge from Poole Magistrates' Court after admitting to spitting on PC Browning during an incident at a local hotel housing asylum seekers.

The court heard that Momad was intoxicated and in an agitated condition when officers responded to a disturbance at the property.

Despite the assault occurring whilst Momad was already subject to a six-week suspended sentence for a religiously motivated attack, magistrates opted not to impose custodial punishment.

The officer will receive just £50 in compensation due to the defendant's financial circumstances.

The incident unfolded when officers were summoned to an incident at the hotel where Momad had consumed half a bottle of vodka along with several beers.

Police units requested additional support to help control the defendant.

During the restraint process, Momad deliberately expelled saliva that struck PC Browning's hand, leading to charges of assaulting an emergency worker.

Shafi Momad, 30, received a 12-month conditional discharge from Poole Magistrates' Court

The court was informed that Momad has resided in Britain since 2020.

He continues to live at the converted hotel despite being in the country for five years.

During the hearing, defence solicitor Deborah Scudamore explained that her client had suffered injuries before police arrived, including a bloodied eye from an alleged attack.

Momad expressed frustration that officers appeared uninterested in pursuing those responsible for assaulting him.

The hotel, where the incident occurred, is the centre of unrest with locals

He did acknowledge his actions were wrong and offered an apology.

The court was told the defendant struggles with depression linked to his inability to work legally and has developed alcohol dependency issues.

Magistrate Paul Kemp confirmed no immediate punishment would be imposed, warning that any future offences within twelve months could result in sanctions for both incidents.

The hotel where the incident occurred is part of three heritage properties in the seaside town that are now functioning as asylum accommodation.

Locals in Bournemouth have been protesting the use of three hotels to house asylum seekers

Crime statistics reveal 91 charges filed against residents of the hotel and the neighbouring accommodation on the same street, while the third hotel recorded an additional 25 charges.

Overall, 116 charges were brought against 51 asylum seekers across the three establishments near the seafront.

Local residents report feeling unsafe, with one long-term inhabitant stating he no longer ventures out in the evenings due to groups gathering outside the properties.

Security personnel and police frequently maintain a visible presence along the tree-lined street where the hotels are located.