COMOX — A 17-year-old girl who kicked a police officer in the groin and then spat on him at the Big Time Out in Cumberland has received a conditional discharge.

The youth, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, must pen a letter of apology to the police officer she assaulted as a condition of her discharge.

According to court testimony two cops became involved with the youth after they saw a female security guard struggling with the girl.

The security guard said the fight began when she refused the youth entry to the festival because the wristband that proved she had purchased a ticket was torn.

When police asked the youth for her side of the story, Crown prosecutor Meneka Giri said the girl got angry.

"She was heard yelling and swearing and telling (the police officer) not to touch her," said Giri.

The youth was arrested but continued to struggle, kicking a male officer in the groin and then spitting on his leg as he put her in the police cruiser.

The youth has already written an apology to the security guard involved.

Defence lawyer Robert Yeo said the behaviour was out of character. It was actually a second youth who initiated the incident, said Yeo.

"She didn't start the initial dispute but she certainly finished it off," he said.

Besides the letter of apology, the six-month conditional discharge imposed by Judge Allan Gould requires the youth to attend counseling as directed.