TWO PCSOs were forced to retreat to their patrol car and call for back-up when dealing with an aggressive drunk man in the city centre.

Jack Payne threatened to “smash” the skulls of police community support officers Harley Youngs and a colleague during a drunken tirade after they approached him on The Cross.

The 21-year-old was described as “heavily intoxicated” by prosecutor Kerri Lovegrove, speaking before magistrates last week.

He had been out drinking when the officers approached him at 9.30pm on September 12.

Having upset members of the public and refused to co-operate with the PCSOs, Payne stood “in the middle of the road” before threatening the officers.

“I will knock you out,” he told one of the officers. “Big man in uniform, I am going to smash your skull.”

He then went on to say: “I am going to chin you, what are you going to do when I smash you?”

The officers, fearing for their safety, retreated to their patrol car and called for back-up.

Payne, of Rodborough Drive, has 12 previous convictions from 21 similar offences and was sent briefly to prison in June for an incident which included “threats of violence”, the court heard.

Two PCs then arrived but the defendant continued to be uncooperative.

After he was arrested, he resisted being put in the police van by putting his foot against the doorframe, said Mrs Lovegrove.

He was then taken to the police station and to the cells, where again he was difficult with staff, the court heard.

Mrs Lovegrove said Payne has ongoing issues with alcohol and when interviewed later, he was asked on a scale of one to 10 how he drunk he had been – to which he said “10”.

She said the defendant also takes medication for depression.

Edward Gaynor-Smith, defending, said, after Payne had sobered up, “he was apologetic and embarrassed for everyone involved”.

He accepted charges of using threatening words and behaviour with intent to cause fear or unlawful violence and obstructing a constable.

He was given a 12-week sentence, suspended for 24 months, and fined £20 – with 30 rehabilitation activity days.