A STREET drinker has appeared in court for swinging a punch and knocking the hat off a PCSO who was looking after the man’s pal who collapsed in the street.

Jason Smith, of Moredon Park, also swore at the officer, who was patrolling Fleet Street solo when he came across the group outside the town centre shop, Wilko.

One of the men was lying on a bench on his back which concerned the officer and prompted him to check the welfare of the man.

And while doing so Smith, 36, swung his fist towards the officer’s face and squared up to him.

“The PCSO was unaware of the incoming threat as he was looking after the man,” James Burnham, prosecuting, told Swindon Magistrates Court.

“But he did step back and no contact was made but his hat was knocked off.

“Other officers were contacted and an ambulance was called for the other man.”

The court was told how the defendant stood half a foot away in an aggressive and intimidating stance and swore at the PCSO.

Later that day the PCSO spotted Smith, who had changed his clothing came up to the officer and apologised.

Mr Burnham added: “He walked up to the PCSO and said: ‘I’m sorry for what I did earlier I was an idiot and drunk.’”

This week Smith, who has been in court 67 times before, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on August 3.

He also admitted stealing £40 worth of groceries from Co-op in Peatmoor on August 5 and for not turning up to the police station when he should have on August 31.

His solicitor Philip Hall told the court, Smith had noted down the wrong date to attend the police station and thought it was the day after.

Mr Hall said: “Mr Smith was a fairly regular appearer before this court. He takes pride in having cleaned up his act.

“He has had problems with drink and drugs and made the fatal mistake of reverting back to drink. The swagger he stole was sold.

“This PCSO was doing his duty, trying to help someone who appeared to have collapsed in the street.

“Mr Smith had attached himself to the group of street drinkers after falling off the wagon. His comrade was not in a good state but Mr Smith does not understand why he acted in the way he did.

“When he next saw the PCSO he immediately came up and apologised. Not many people have got the wit to do that.”

Bench chairman Felicity Dowell told Smith: “We feel the battery of the PCSO is the most serious matter of the offences you are here for today.

“This was a man looking after your mate. He shouldn’t have had to put up with grief from someone drunk.”

Smith was given a one year conditional discharge, which means unless he commits another crime in that time he will not be punished.

He was however told to pay the officer compensation of £50, reduced from £100 for the apology, and pay £40 compensation to the Co-op as well as court costs and a victim surcharge totalling £70.