A DRUNKEN man became aggressive towards police after they found him lying in the street, a court has heard.

Aaron Jamie Lewis, 30, admitted being drunk and disorderly when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Nicola Ritchie, prosecuting, said police had found Lewis lying on the ground in Gaol Street, Hereford, just before 6am on September 29.

The officers attempted to rouse and move a "very drunk" Lewis, but he was arrested after he became aggressive, hurling verbal abuse at them.

Paramedics were later called and Lewis received hospital treatment after becoming unwell in custody.

Emma Thorne, for Lewis, who is subject to a suspended sentence and an alcohol treatment programme following a previous, unrelated offence, said he was fully aware that his behaviour had put him in a very precarious position.

"He had gone out to celebrate his birthday," Mrs Thorne said.

"He knew that alcohol was an issue for him, and he had been doing his best to avoid it, but on this occasion, he was persuaded to go out by friends."

The court heard Lewis had no memory of being found on the pavement, and that he has since taken steps to address his problems with alcohol.

"He is committed to turning things around. He has not been out since, and he is engaging with Addaction," Mrs Thorne said.

Magistrates told Lewis they were not going to activate his suspended sentence as the offence did not warrant a custodial sentence.

Lewis was fined £75 and his alcohol treatment programme was extended by three months. He must also pay £75 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.