A man, who punched a police officer in a Cardigan street, hit the officer with a dog chain and spat in his face has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Vincent Walter Ryan aged 48, of 1 Gwendraeth, Water Street, Newcastle Emlyn, who was represented by Richard Griffiths, appeared for sentence after being convicted of assaulting Pc Leyton Phillips at Finch Square on a January afternoon last year, and using threatening behaviour.

Crown prosecutor Leslie Harbon said Pc Phillips responded to a report of a man causing a disturbance outside Finch Square Café and Ryan hurled abuse at the officer.

Ryan became abusive and frightened an elderly lady sitting on a bench outside the café.

When Pc Phillips tried to arrest him Ryan became extremely violent, punched the officer to the face, hit him to the body with a dog chain, and spat full in his face.

After considering a pre-sentence report on the defendant magistrates gave him a four-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months with a supervision requirement attached. Ryan was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to Pc Phillips and £250 court costs.

2:00pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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