Telford man jailed after spitting at police officer

Robert Wilson, 26, of Owen Close in Stirchley, was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment after admitting breaching a previous suspended sentence.

Wilson pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, assaulting a policeman and being in possession of cannabis.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court, prosecutor Mr Kevin Grego said Wilson had been at Stirchley Medical Practice on January 23 when he wanted to get some medication and see the doctor.

Mr Grego said: "The doctor refused the prescription that the defendant said he required and as a result there was a commotion.

"He insisted, as did the doctor, and he was told he wasn't going to get his prescription.

"He wouldn't leave the premises when asked to and he was abusive and clearly drunk. The police were called and they showed patience but he was difficult.

"Eventually they had to try to escort him out, when he spat at Pc Rogers at which point he was arrested and taken to Malinsgate custody."

He was found with a small amount of cannabis on him and later, the court heard, Wilson had complied with police and accepted responsibility.

During sentencing, Recorder Stephen Thomas asked Mr Paul Smith, defending, if he believed his client to be "fit" for sentencing as he appeared drunk.

Mr Smith said: "He has taken something this morning, it might be alcohol, he was very coherent when I picked him up and he is much less coherent now.

"I think it is appropriate to deal with him now and I have previously taken instructions from him which I feel able to act upon."

Wilson was on a suspended sentence at the time of his arrest, having previously been convicted of aggravated vehicle taking and robbery.

The court heard, in mitigation, that Wilson had experienced alcohol problems within his family, with both his parents being alcoholics themselves.

However, having been on probation Wilson had also been taking medication for his alcohol issues, but was still having problems with drugs.

Mr Thomas said: "I know the difficulties that you have just getting through your everyday life, but I also no the difficulties of people in dealing with you.

"You went to your doctor's under the influence of alcohol and you had drugs in your possession and you were unpleasant there.

"The police arrived and tried to talk with you in a kindly way, but for doing that they were rewarded with abuse when you spat at a police officer.

"That was a disgraceful thing to do.

"Only a custodial sentence can be passed for assaulting a police officer."

Wilson was sentenced to three months for the latest offences, which will run consecutively to a 10 month sentence that he now faces for previous convictions.

In total, he was sentenced to 13 months in jail.