A MAN growled at police 'like an animal' outside a Leominster pub before he was arrested, a court heard.

Francis Warner, 20, of Ridgemoor Road, Leominster, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly at Hereford Magistrates Court last week.

The court heard police were called to the Duke’s Head in Corn Square, Leominster, at around 10pm on April 8 following reports of a male refusing to leave.

When officers arrived, Warner was pointed out and approached officers before they got out of the car.

Adrian Jones, prosecuting, said it was obvious Warner was intoxicated as his words were slurred and he was unsteady on his feet.

As officers tried to engage he became aggressive and emotional and started growling like an animal, Mr Jones said, and was shouting and swearing.

He was cautioned before he was arrested and continued to growl, shout and swear in the van towards Hereford, Mr Jones said.

Defending himself, Warner said he was 'being a bit silly that night'.

He said he had had a few too many beers and had been with friends. There was nothing that contributed to his behaviour.

The court heard he was currently serving a 24-month community order and was known to probation services as he was receiving post-sentence supervision.

He was also undertaking one-to-one support for domestic violence and had cut down on his alcohol and was attending appointments.

Magistrates imposed a six-month conditional discharge. They advised him to stay off the drink, keep off the street and urged him to learn how to use a computer in order to get a job.

A £20 victim surcharge was also imposed.