A Cardigan-born man who returned to the town for a visit assaulted a police officer and threatened to “knock out” a PCSO was “extremely hostile”, magistrates have heard.

Dean Bettinson, 42, admitted possession of cannabis, assaulting an emergency worker, obstruction of a police officer and threatening behaviour in the incident on Saturday, 25 January.

Prosecutor Ceri Ellis Jones said Bettinson had become aggressive after police spoke to him about his possession of cannabis after smelling the drug as they walked past him.

Bettinson, of 22 Walnut Gardens in Plymouth, was asked for his full name, but only gave his first name and was talking on his phone while PC Nia Williams was trying to talk to him.

Despite being warned that he would be arrested if he didn’t give his details, Bettinson continued to be abusive toward the officers.

As PC Williams tried to arrest him, Bettinson started struggling and at one point pushed PC Williams in the shoulder.

He then told PCSO Jones that he would knock him out and continued to struggle.

Ms Ellis Jones showed magistrates bodycam footage which showed Bettinson saying he could not believe officers were trying to arrest him as he is “a city man”.

PC Williams eventually said she was going to use her incapicitant spray, but Ms Ellis Jones said the spray blew back into her face during the incident.

In a statement, PC Williams said Bettinson was “extremely hostile” during the incident and that his behaviour was “unacceptable”.

Defence solicitor Katy Hanson said Bettinson was “extremely ashamed” at his behaviour after seeing the footage.

She said he hadn’t intended to assault PC Williams, but admitted he had been struggling and had been reckless about whether she would be assaulted.

Presiding magistrate Haydn Davey said the incident was “serious” and “sustained” and magistrates could have imposed a prison sentence.

Bettinson was given a community order for 18 months and will have to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirements and 240 hours of unpaid work. He will also pay compensation to PC Williams of £100 and £50 to PCSO Jones, as well as costs totalling £175.