A Saundersfoot man who headbutted a police officer whilst intoxicated has been charged in court.

Twenty-eight-year-old James Anthony Dick, of Milford Terrace, pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty, when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court that the incident occurred just after 2 am on August 8.

Police officers were called to the property of the defendant’s parents by his father, who explained that his son had returned home heavily intoxicated.

“Mr. Dick had drunk a lot of vodka and collapsed on the bed,” explained Mr. Pritchard-Jones.

“Paramedics were there and treated him. Police officers couldn’t understand what he was saying due to the level of intoxication.

“They arrested Mr. Dick for breach of the peace, but when they tried to move him, he changed from being placid to aggressive.

“He started bouncing on his feet towards one officer and headbutted him on the side of his face, causing a cut below the officer’s eyebrow which was bleeding,” continued Mr. Pritchard-Jones, who explained that Mr. Dick had one previous matter on record for an affray in 2009, for which he was given a community order.

Defence solicitor David Williams told the court that Mr. Dick had mental health issues, suffering with Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.

“The defendant suffered a relationship breakdown weeks prior to the incident, and his parents felt the need to call both the paramedics and police on this occasion, as they were concerned for their son’s wellbeing,” he said.

“These are issues Mr. Dick has been battling with for many, many years, and through the help of his parents, has sought professional help.

“This incident stems from a combination of poor mental health and alcohol dependence, which exacerbates his condition.

“The defendant had consumed far, far too much alcohol - dangerous quantities, and was in a semi-conscious state when paramedics arrived.

“He deeply regrets his actions and erratic behaviour. There was something of a melee, with up to seven police officers in the property at the time,” added Mr. Williams.

Probation officer Julie Norman presented a pre-sentence report to magistrates.

“This was an unpleasant incident, where Mr. Dick was unconscious through the amount of alcohol he’d drunk.

“Whilst awoken by a police officer he reacted. His recent relationship breakdown and substance misuse has caused his relapse,” said Ms Norman, explaining that Mr. Dick was continuing to seek support for his mental health issues.

Chief magistrate David Simpson told Mr. Dick that he’d drunk too much and got himself into ‘all kinds of trouble’.

“We understand that break-ups are terrible things, that happen to all of us, but if you drink too much, you’re going to get into trouble, as your medical condition doesn’t mix with alcohol.

“There were seven police officers in the house at one point, so imagine the trauma your parents must have gone through. They must be complimented and applauded for the support they have given you.

“Assaulting a police officer - there is no excuse for it whatsover!” added Mr. Simpson, before imposing a 12-month community order on Mr. Dick, with a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Magistrates also fined Mr. Dick £80 for the offence and ordered him to pay £100 compensation to the injured police officer.

He was also told to pay prosecution costs of £85 and an £85 victim surcharge.