AN ALCOHOLIC scared a police officer when he spat at him and claimed to be HIV positive, a court heard.

Darren Wedmore, aged 27, of High Street in Yatton, was arrested by police following reports he was damaging property in the village on June 2.

But while sat in a police car on the way to Weston police station, Wedmore, who was described as drunk, became aggressive with officers.

On being taken to the station’s cells, he spat and attempted to punch an officer, claiming to be HIV positive.

At North Somerset Courthouse on July 14, Wedmore pleaded guilty to assaulting police officer Colin Lias.

Alison Longhorn, prosecuting, said: “When the defendant was restrained he spat and swung at officers. He then said he had AIDS, which concerned the officers.”

Later, in interview, Wedmore told police he had been drunk and angry, adding ‘it was one of those things which happens’.

Sonia Mills, defending, said Wedmore was combating alcohol addiction and was receiving help.

Magistrates handed him a community order for 12 months, which includes a supervision requirement.

He was also ordered to get 30 hours of treatment for his alcohol addiction and pay �50 in compensation to PC Lias.