A CHESTER man threatened two police officers before punching one of them in the genital area, Chester Magistrates Court heard on Friday, October 25.

Stuart John Ison, 50, of Walter Street, had been taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital in the early hours of October 9 under the Mental Capacity Act, after he was seen banging on doors and cars in Chester.

The court heard ultimately Ison was assessed as not having a psychotic episode, but was heavily intoxicated.

Ison pleaded guilty to assaulting the two police officers and was handed a 12-month community order.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds said Ison was at one point acting calmly but then he made threats to police officers, saying: "I will bite your face off" before threatening what he would do to their families.

Leg restraints were requested and Ison appeared initially to calm down again, but then he made more threats to attack the police officers.

He then punched PC Daniel Merrick in the genital area and kicked out at PC Bethan Higginson on her leg.

Neither officer had lasting pain but did suffer discomfort.

Ison had 12 previous convictions for 17 offences, but had not been before the court since 2012.

Defending, Richard Sibeon said Ison had physical problems but apart from some depression did not have any mental health issues.

He had consumed a bottle of vodka on the day and since the incident had not consumed any vodka.

He was "mortified" when told what he had done by officers, he had no recollection of the incident.

A probation report heard the high alcohol intake had been mixed the medication Ison had been taking.

He had suffered from heart failure, including 12 heart attacks, and was signed off work.

He had been struggling with bereavement and was very remorseful about the incident.

Mr Sibeon added: "When I went to see him here was a small, subdued man, it's totally out of character. His behaviour was off the scale.

"He has asked me to apologise to the officers. He recognises he could benefit from help and support."

District Judge Nicholas Sanders said: "You have very little recollection of what happened that night. I can conclude this was out of character.

"Nevertheless, police officers have a duty and they are not to be abused by someone who has had too much to drink."

Ison was handed a 12-month community order, to include 35 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was placed on an eight-week 6pm-6am curfew at his home address and must pay £75 compensation each to the two police officers, plus a £90 victim surcharge.