A MAN has appeared in court after his behaviour sparked a major police response on the day the pubs reopened.

Callum James Woodhouse of Lowfield Meadow, Kingstone, admitted assaulting a member of Wetherspoons staff, a police officer and a special constable by beating when he appeared before magistrates on July 29.

Prosecutor Jo Tait said Woodhouse had been drinking at the Kings Fee in Commercial Road for most of the day on July 4, leaving briefly before returning at 6pm.

He was refused entry as he was too drunk and had been arguing, but minutes later, staff member James Willmott saw Woodhouse arguing in the rear garden.

Mr Willmott tried to break up the fight and calm the situation, but was grabbed by his shirt and pushed by Woodhouse, who was shouting and swearing, and distressing other pubgoers.

He then left, but returned to the front of the pub, forcing staff to call the police and bolt the doors to prevent him re-entering.

Woodhouse was stopped near the pub by police, who he threatened to strangle with handcuffs if they arrested him.

Officers called for emergency backup, and Woodhouse, who was trying to bang his head on the floor, was put in restraining belts.

While being taken to A&E by ambulance, he threatened police and headbutted one officer in the leg. He headbutted another officer in the side of the head as he was taken away from the hospital.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Woodhouse, said he did not remember a great deal of what happened and could not explain why he had behaved in that way

Woodhouse received a 12 month community order and 120 hours unpaid work. He must pay £50 compensation to Mr Willmot and £100 to each of the two officers he assaulted.

No costs order or victim surcharge was imposed due to a lack of means.