A 24-YEAR-OLD man who inflicted pain and suffering on an Airlie Beach police officer has been placed on probation for two years and ordered to pay $400 compensation.

Darcy Michael Cullen pleaded guilty to two counts of assault or obstruct police and one of committing a public nuisance offence in the Proserpine Magistrate's Court on Monday.

At 2.50am on December 19, police patrolling the Airlie Beach Safe Night Precinct (SNP) noticed a disturbance outside the kebab shop.

Police prosecutor Elizabeth Smith said Cullen was one of two men acting aggressively, with one swinging a punch at the other that ultimately missed.

According to Ms Smith, when police went to break up the incident, Cullen kicked out with his legs, striking a senior constable in the thighs.

He was eventually subdued and taken to the Whitsunday Watch House where he was breathalysed, returning a reading of 0.208.

Ms Smith formally requested compensation for the pain and suffering the police officer sustained. "I won't put a dollar value on it Your Honour - that's a matter for the court, however I note he suffered some bruising," she said.

In Cullen's defence, solicitor John Wilson, from Macrossan and Amiet, outlined a difficult upbringing and a problem with alcohol.

Mr Wilson said Cullen had attended ATODS meetings on January 16 and 19 and had "engaged very well".

He also said he had sent a letter of apology to the police officer involved and he submitted a community-based order was an appropriate penalty.

While Mr Stjernqvist did ultimately decide on a two-year probation order, he told Cullen this was the third time he had received probation for offences relating to his inability to manage anger, combined with excessive alcohol consumption.

"You come back within two years after I make this order today and everyone's talking about imprisonment," he said.