AN Aberystwyth man who kicked a police van door causing it to hit a Special Constable feels he is “picked on” by officers in the town, a court heard.

David Robert Lloyd, 23, feels like he is targeted by police with his solicitor, Iestyn Davies, saying Lloyd had a “history of distrust” of police officers.

Lloyd, who pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, was initially arrested after he was detained by security staff at the Angel just after midnight on 6 March, for possession of drugs.

Prosecutor Tracey Willingham said officers attended at the premises with officers, including special constable James Page, escorting Lloyd outside where he was arrested. Lloyd though reacted angrily and started shouting and threatening officers claiming he was going to kill them and their families.

He was struggling to get away from the officers and during the incident tried to headbutt an officer and member of the Angel’s door staff.

Ms Willingham said Lloyd continued to kick out and was put in a police van, but he kept picking the walls of the van before he kicked the door which ended up hitting PC Page.

Lloyd continued to shout and struggle as he was taken into the police station.

Ms Willingham said no further action was taken over the drugs as Lloyd was on licence from prison and ended up serving 28 days after being recalled under the terms of that licence.

Mr Davies said Lloyd, of 44 Queen Street, had a “somewhat hazy” recollection of what happened as he had been drunk at the time.

He said that Lloyd had been upset at being detained by door staff and lost his temper.

Mr Davies said: “There’s a history of distrust by Mr Lloyd towards the police. He feels he’s picked on.”

Lloyd had not intended to injure anybody and Mr Davies said when he kicked out at the van door he hadn’t intended it to hit the special constable.

Aberystwyth magistrates heard that Lloyd is currently subject to a community order which Mr Davies said was going well.

Lloyd was given a six-month conditional discharge and will pay compensation to Pc Page of £50 as well as costs of £135.