A REFORMED heroin addict who made a fresh start in Cornwall was arrested for abusing police officers when he returned home to Droitwich.

Christopher Swan moved to Truro as part of his rehabilitation in 2000 and was doing well until he met a group of alcoholics.

He escaped with a conditional discharge for stealing two bottles of liquor, but, after coming back to Droitwich for another "fresh start," became embroiled in a dispute with police.

At Worcester Magistrates Court, the 30-year-old, of Woodmans Green, Westlands, Droitwich, was fined £150 for the two attempted thefts in addition to the charge of threatening behaviour. He pleaded guilty.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, said police had been called to an incident outside a chemist on the Westlands council estate on Wednesday, March 19.

A number of onlookers had approached the officers, including the defendant who swore and hurled obscenities at them.

"They tried talking to him but he failed to take the hint and after a bit of resistance, was taken to the station," he said.

Andy Childs, defending, said his epileptic client, who took "five minutes to become addicted to heroin and five years to come off it," hoped to have a fresh start in Truro and then in Droitwich.

"He went on a voluntary scheme down South and a series of assessments," he said.

"He recently came home and got his life together, but when his brother was arrested outside the chemist he didn't walk away. He'd had a lot to drink," his defence lawyer added.