A DRUNK man fought with police after going to buy cocaine, a court has heard.

Carlton Jazz Maddocks admitted assaulting a police officer acting in the course of their duty by beating, obstructing police, and possession of a class A drug when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on October 14.

Prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said Maddocks was, in his own words, "hammered," on April 10, after drinking two cans of cider and nine cans of beer before heading to a friend's house where he carried on drinking.

At around 12.30am, he and his friend went to pick up cocaine, but they caught the eye of police as they returned on the A49.

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Police attempted to stop the car, but the driver failed to stop, carrying on to his home address where police attempted to restrain him while Maddocks was told to stay in the car.

But Maddocks got out after the driver punched a police officer, clenching his fists and joining the fight by pushing and struggling with the officer .

Maddocks and his friend were both arrested, but Maddocks continued to struggle, resisting and verbally abusing officers as they attempted to cuff him and put him in the van.

In custody, some £40 worth of cocaine was found in his sock.

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Maddocks later said he could remember little of the incident and would not have pushed the officer if he had been sober.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Maddocks, said the 27-year-old admitted he had pushed the officer and caused the police difficulty when they tried to arrest him.

"He apologised in custody when he had sobered up, but clearly this is no excuse. He is very sorry," Miss Di Vitantonio said.

Maddocks, of Breinton Road, Hereford, was handed a 12-month community order and must carry out 60 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation, costs of £100 and a £90 victim surcharge.