A 19-YEAR-old has been ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work after he brandished a broken beer bottle neck in public.

Joshua Wells of Eggleton Lane, Hereford pleaded guilty at Herefordshire Magistrates Court to five counts: theft from a shop, drunk and disorderly, two counts of assaulting an officer and possession of an offensive weapon.

Rob Perry, prosecuting, said on September 23 at 6.15am police were called to Whitecross Road in Hereford where Wells was arguing with his brother.

When officers arrived they found Wells holding the neck of a broken bottle and he threatened the officers but put it on the floor when asked to do so.

Wells then became violent towards the officers. The court heard he had stolen a beer from the nearby Tesco Express.

He had been drinking since 9am the previous day.

Emily Gourlay, defending, said it was very out of character and he cannot explain why he became angry.

A probation officer said Wells had a problem with alcohol and drinks daily. He has also been diagnosed with psychosis and suffers from anxiety and depression.

He was given an 18 month community order, with a six month alcohol treatment requirement, and 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement. He was ordered to work 80 hours and to pay a £85 victim surcharge and £135 costs.