A MAN who tried to headbutt a police offence three times and shouted abuse was fined after failing to turn up for court.

The charge of being drunk and disorderly was proved in David Smith's absence when the case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court.

At the start of the hearing a tannoy announcement for Smith, who had been expected to attend the court for 9.30am on Thursday morning (October 21), was put out at around 10.30am - but the 33-year-old failed to appear.

Chairman of the magistrates bench Dave Silcock confirmed magistrates were satisfied he would not be appearing, and the case could go ahead.

Ralph Robyns-Landricombe, prosecuting, said a police officer was in Foregate Street on June 17, responding to another incident, when he came across Smith.

Mr Robyns-Landricombe explained that Smith, of Archer Close, Malvern, came to the officer's attention as he was "intensely staring" at him before trying to get in his way.

The prosecutor said after then getting close to him he could smell the stench of alcohol on Smith's breath, could see that his eyes were glazed, and he was struggling to stand.

"The officer was concerned and asked if he was OK," the prosecutor said.

"He slurred at him 'take me'."

After the officer tried to explain to Smith there was no need to take him anywhere his behaviour then deteriorated, the court heard.

"He said 'do you want some' and 'do you think you could take me'," Mr Robyns-Landricombe said.

"He was puffing out his chest. He was trying to headbutt the officer."

The prosecutor said the officer had feared for his own personal safety and tried to create a distance between them.

But after a third attempt to headbutt him, the officer restrained Smith before his arrest just before 10pm.

Mr Robyns-Landricombe added, before being taken by a van to Worcester Police Station Smith, Smith had sworn loudly in the street.

Smith had been due to represent himself in court so no defence mitigation was heard before Mr Silcock confirmed magistrates said they had found the offence proved.

Smith, who had previous convictions for criminal damage and battery, was fined £660, and ordered to pay costs of £135, and a victim surcharge of £60.

Magistrates ordered the full amount to be paid within 28 days.

The case was heard on Thursday.