A DRUNKEN man attacked the paramedics who had come to his aid when he fell off the sofa, a court has heard.

Lewis Anthony Robert Potter admitted assaulting two paramedics by beating when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said Potter had been drinking before falling asleep at his mother’s house on June 14.

But his mother became concerned about his breathing after he rolled off the sofa he was sleeping on and hit his head on the nearby fireplace, and an ambulance was called.

Paramedics found the 22-year-old unconscious on the floor, but when he was roused, he became very aggressive and started swearing at them before running out of the house.

They followed him out, but were confronted by Potter, who tried to grab the throat of one and punched his shoulder, before pushing him over.

Potter then grabbed the second paramedic by the arm, but she pulled free and the pair ran to the ambulance.

Police were called and Potter, of Albert Road, Ledbury, was arrested.

In interview, Potter told police he had drunk a lot and remembered pushing one paramedic away before realising he was a paramedic.

He said he was angry because he did not want to be woken up.

In a victim statement, one of the crew said she was a student paramedic helping out on the frontline during the Covid crisis and the attack had left her fearing what was behind the door when she went to a patient.

Philip Cornell, for Potter, said he was a 22-year-old with the maturity of a much younger man.

“His mum warned 111 that he can be a bit aggressive when he has had a few drinks, but the ambulance crew were not told this. He is very sorry and it was not premeditated.”

Magistrates said the offence was serious, particularly at this time.

Potter was jailed for eight weeks, suspended for 18 months, and must wear an electronic tag for three months. He must pay compensation of £200 to each paramedic, costs of £185 and a £128 victim surcharge.