A SPITTING attacker threatened to headbutt police after they were called by his mum.

Lucas Gwillam admitted one count of assaulting an emergency worker by beating when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford in March.

Police were called to a report of a domestic incident at a home in Titley at 7.10am on February 18, prosecutor Eleanor Peart said.

Officers went in to the home with a taser drawn, as it had been reported that Gwillam had a blade, Miss Peart said, but this was holstered when he was found to be unarmed.

Gwillam was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, but tensed his arms, threatened to headbutt police, and spat at one officer, hitting his face and neck.

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Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Gwillam, said that the 22-year-old's mother had called police to the property.

"She had concerns for his mental health and wanted to get him some help," she said.

"He accepts he was intoxicated and that he was spitting while talking. He was told to stop shouting and spitting and says he then deliberately spat out into the air, but it clearly landed on the officer's face and neck, and he understands this was not an acceptable action."

Miss Di Vitantonio said Gwillam does have mental health issues and that he apologised for his behaviour.

Gwillam, who gave the court a care of address in Titley, was handed a nine-month community order with a six-month alcohol treatment order. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £100 and prosecution costs of £100.