A drunk man pushed a woman police officer forcefully when he tried to leave a pub, even as police were looking into a case of assault on a performing artist.

Coordinator Manimaran Manikkam, 46, was jailed for four weeks yesterday for using criminal force on Sergeant Saadiah Hamzah, 42, at Sitara Pub & Music Lounge in Serangoon Road on March 28 last year.

A second charge of punching one Saxena Atul with two others at the pub was considered during his sentencing.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Jotham Tay said that after police officers arrived at the pub at about 1.50am, they learnt that several patrons, including Manimaran, had physically assaulted one of the performing artists. The victim was bleeding from his nose and had other injuries on his face.

The police officers were also informed that Manimaran, who had been drinking with his friends, had tried to prevent the manager of the pub from calling the police by snatching away his mobile phone.

As Manimaran had been identified as a suspect, he and two others were told to remain to assist in investigations.

At about 2.40am, he tried to leave. He walked towards and pushed his body against Sgt Saadiah, who was standing in his way. He then pushed her upper body forcefully with his hands, causing her to stagger into another officer.

Necessary force was then used to place him under arrest.

Manimaran had convictions in 2008 for disorderly behaviour and using insulting or indecent words on a public servant.

The married father of two could have been jailed for up to four years and/or fined for using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging her duty.

Elena Chong