A DRUNKEN man punched two men as he swung his fists wildly like “a windmill”

and swore at police during a bloody bust-up on the streets of Malvern.

Matthew Bennett, aged 21, of Quest Hills Road, Malvern, admitted two assaults in the town when he appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court.

The court heard how the two victims, Samuel Pocock and Thomas Mobbs, had been out clubbing on October 19 and were heading towards the taxi rank. Peter Love, prosecuting, said Bennett was with friends and became “verbally aggressive”

to one of Mr Pocock’s friends. Mr Pocock and his friends then walked towards Belle Vue Terrace “to put some distance between them and the other group”.

Mr Love said Bennett started to shout insults towards Mr Pocock’s group.

Bennett followed Mr Pocock and his friend, grabbed hold of Mr Pocock by his shirt and dragged him to the ground in the middle of the road where he punched him.

Mr Love said: “He felt the blow to his left cheek and his head jolt backwards from the impact.”

At this point Mr Mobbs went over to help and was also assaulted.

Mr Love said: “Mr Bennett was shouting, ‘I will take you all on’ and he hit Mr Mobbs twice on the ear with a clenched fist. One of the officers saw the group and went over and he saw that Mr Bennett was windmilling his arms, swinging wild punches.

Another officer saw Mr Bennett trying to punch a man several times with both fists.”

During his arrest Bennett swore at officers and was described as “abusive and aggressive” and had to be restrained on the floor.

Mr Pocock suffered a cut to his cheek and Mr Mobbs suffered pain and discomfort to his ear.

David Ollivere, defending, said: “It is an unsavoury incident of late-night drunken violence. He has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

He added that factory worker Bennett had fallen in with “the wrong crowd” and said: “He’s not a man who is habitually violent. He cannot recall his behaviour and he’s thoroughly apologetic. He says he drinks too much.”

Magistrates chairman Chris Bull said: “This was a persistent, aggressive attack.”

Bennett was sentenced to a 12-month community order to include supervision and a six-month alcohol treatment programme.

He was also ordered to complete 125 hours of unpaid work, pay costs of £85, a victim surcharge of £60, compensation to Mr Pococok of £75 and compensation to Mr Mobbs of £25.