An Aberaeron man spat at a police officer and threatened to force his way into a Cardigan pub after he had been thrown out for being aggressive.

Michael Anthony Murtagh, of 7 Bryn y Mor, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and assaulting an emergency worker in Cardigan on 16 March.

His solicitor Alan Lewis said Murtagh was “horrified” by his behaviour.

Prosecutor Kevin Challinor told magistrates that Murtagh, 33, had gone into the Red Lion in Cardigan and despite staff having concerns over his level of intoxication had served him one drink.

However, when they refused him a second drink Murtagh became abusive and was asked to leave with staff calling the police.

Officers found Murtagh nearby who they said was drunk and agitated and told the officers that he’d been assaulted.

While officers made checks, Murtagh became aggressive with the police and threatened to “smash” his way into the pub through a window before he started shouting and swearing and hurling abuse at one PC.

When the officer tried to arrest him, Murtagh then spat at the officer.

Mr Lewis said Murtagh had felt “hard done by”, saying that he had been assaulted in the pub and was “frustrated” that he had been asked to leave.

He said Murtagh regretted his behaviour, especially as he had not been in trouble for five years.

Murtagh was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year.

He was ordered to obey a curfew between 7pm and 6am for 14-weeks, as well as pay compensation to the officer of £200 and costs of £200.