A 46-year-old man who drunkenly swore at a police officer and repeatedly spat says he is 'deeply ashamed' of his behaviour.

Philip Holden admitted being and disorderly in a public place (Angel Street in Worcester city centre) when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

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Holden, who represented himself at the hearing, apologised for his actions on Thursday, April 21.

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said the offence happened at around 8.20pm when members of the public flagged down officers, expressing their 'concern about a gentleman who was extremely drunk and the worse for wear'. An officer described Holden as 'extremely intoxicated'.

Mr Hambling said: "In one of the statements of the officer he says he could not string a sentence together and was unable to confirm his name, his address or his intentions."

The officer attempted to get these details for about 15 minutes.

Holden swore at officers in Angel Street

"Unfortunately, Mr Holden becomes slightly abusive" said Mr Hambling.

The defendant swore at officers and also 'spat on the floor repeatedly'. "He doesn't spit at the officer" said Mr Hambling.

Holden does have a previous conviction for drunk and disorderly which was described as 'extremely historic' and nothing at all on his record since 2016, an undisclosed offence which resulted in a suspended sentence order.

The clerk asked if that prosecution opening was a fair summary.

Holden told magistrates: "That's a fair summary. I'm very sorry. I'm ashamed. I've been trying really hard to get off drink."

Explaining that he did suffer from health problems, Mr Holden said: "I do sometimes find myself falling off the wagon. This is one of those times. I'm deeply ashamed. I can't apologise enough."

Holden believed he knew the officer and said: "There was no reason for me to react that way. I can only guess it was the drink."

The chairman of the bench told him that spitting was 'revolting' and Holden agreed, saying this was what he was more ashamed of than the drinking itself.

However, the chairman also thanked Holden for expressing his remorse to the court and the police officer.

Magistrates fined him £40, ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and court costs of £135. This will be deducted from his universal credit.