A MAN who had been drinking cans of cider ripped a licence plate from a taxi and assaulted police officers after being kicked out of a budget hotel.

Police were called to a possible domestic incident taking place between Carl Pattinson, 36, and a woman at the Travelodge in Workington on December 15.

Pattinson was told to leave the Travelodge but he returned and was ‘shouting and being aggressive’, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant then ripped a licence plate from a taxi in the car park and was arrested for criminal damage.

He became aggressive and lunged at the officers, attempting to headbutt them. A large quantity of tablets were found in the defendant’s jacket.

Pattinson attempted to headbutt another officer after finding the pills.

During police interview, Pattinson confirmed he had pulled the plate from the taxi and said he had done so out of anger for being kicked out of the Travelodge.

He said the police officers ‘kept winding him and his partner up’. He said he was kicking out and was trying to hit one of the officers because ‘he was smirking at him’’. He denied trying to headbutt the other officers.

Pattinson stated he had drunk three or four cans of Black Knights cider prior to the incident.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said: “This defendant is facing PTSD and the associated mental health issues.

“While serving in Northern Ireland, two colleagues were gunned down by the IRA. These issues he has been facing have been very significant.

“He left the army and returned to the local community and back to his family. He has been very isolated.

“He has described these proceedings as a pivotal moment in his life. He has access to services he has never had before. He is willing to engage with all the support that’s on offer.”

Mr Woolaghan said the defendant had brought five handwritten letters of apology for each of the police officers he had assaulted and the taxi driver whose vehicle he damaged.

Pattinson, of Newlands Gardens, Workington, pleaded guilty to four charges of common assault of an emergency worker, and one charge of possessing a Class C drug and criminal damage under £5,000.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Pattinson was fined £120 and ordered to pay £84.59 in compensation to the taxi driver. He must also pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.