AN ELLESMERE Port man called police to say he had taken his aunt and uncle hostage, a court heard.

But when officers arrived at the address on Pembridge Court his puzzled aunt told them nothing of the sort had taken place.

Stephen Stewart, 27, was arrested and at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday (April 8) pleaded guilty to making nuisance calls.

He also admitted one count of common assault as he spat at one of the arresting officers while in the police car.

Stewart was handed a 12-month community order to include 60 days of rehabilitation activity, a three-month alcohol treatment programme and a 16-week evening curfew.

He has also been ordered to pay £200 compensation to the police officer, as well as court costs totalling £370.

The case prompted Cheshire Chief Constable Darren Martland to write a community impact statement about the increase in assaults on police officers.

He said that in 2018 there were 690 assaults on Cheshire Police officers of which 125 involved spitting.

In a statement presented to the court, he said: "We've seen a worrying increase in assaults on police officers. While the line of work they are in makes officers more vulnerable to being victims of assault, assaults should never be seen as being part of the job.

"Assaults often cause great physical and emotional distress to officers and their families. An increase in the amount of officers not being at work can be linked to the physical and psychological impact of said assaults.

"Spitting can lead to serious health issues and infections, especially saliva containing blood, and officers and their families often face an anxious wait to find out from tests results if they have been infected with something.”

Prosecuting, Natalie Cassidy said that a drunken Stewart, of Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, had rung police to say he had taken the family members hostage at around 10pm on March 21.

Officers spoke to his bewildered aunt at the address and Stewart said he did not know why police had come to the property.

He was subsequently arrested and spat at a female police officer in a patrol car while waiting to be taken into custody.

Adrian Evans, defending, told the court Stewart has a perpetual drinking habit, and typically consumes 12 cans of alcohol a day.

Mr Evans said: "Having gone through the evidence in detail with him (Stewart) this morning, I can tell you he is a very different individual when sober.

"He admits alcohol has got him into trouble in the past has been and he is determined to tackle his demons.

"He is disgusted at himself for spitting at the officer and would like to apologise to them in person."

The court heard that Stewart takes prescribed medication for issues of ADHD and depression.

Mr Evans added: "He hadn't been taking his medication around the time of the incident, and his mood was worse affected by the fact his uncle, who he is very close with, has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is in hospital.

"He has demonstrated genuine remorse in the aftermath of this incident."

Jean Banford, chair of the magistrates, described Stewart's behaviour as 'absolutely appalling'.

She said: "Nobody should be spat at while conducting their duty, as well as the phone calls that you had taken people hostage."