A MAN was handed a suspended prison sentence after punching a paramedic three times in the face.

Tomasz Delgiado, aged 40, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and failing to attend an earlier hearing at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, read a statement from the victim Liam Hurds, who said he and a colleague had been called to the defendant’s home in Worcester Road, Malvern, at 10.30pm on December 21, 2009, to reports a man had taken an overdose.

He said: “We found the defendant in the upstairs flat, swaying around and very unsteady on his feet.”

A number of observations were carried out and “tow-ards the end they checked his blood pressure; he started to become a little agitated and a little aggressive.”

Mr Dodson said: “The defendant had a strange look in his eyes. He was looking angry then leant forward. Mr Hurds saw the defendant’s clenched fist, the right fist, which came towards his face hitting him in the left cheek.

“He was shocked because he had not provoked the assault, but the defendant struck out a further two times. He gathered his senses and spoke to his colleague who restrained the defendant. They then called the police.”

Reading a statement by Delgiado, Mr Dodson said: “In relation to the allegation of assault, I can confirm that I committed this offence.

“Friends believed I was having a seizure.

“I had not taken an overdose. When I have a seizure I don’t know what’s happening. I recover but I’m extremely scared.”

Defending, Jason Patel said: “He had little recollection of what had gone on, but he regrets his actions.”

Delgiado was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He was made subject to a 12-month community order, with a supervision requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay the victim £80 compensation and court costs of £100, as well as a £15 victim surcharge.

For the Bail Act offence, Delgiado was fined £55.