Caught on CCTV bouncing exuberantly along streets in Newquay, 24-year-old Edward Bridgewater was clearly under the influence of something, prosecutor Ron Ede told Truro Crown Court on Thursday.

"He tried to go into a pub but was refused entry by door staff, and he then engaged a group of young men in conversation. He appears to have put his arms around one and tried to kiss him and the man backed off in alarm. At that point Bridgewater attempted to headbutt him."

Later that day, said Mr Ede, Bridgewater approached a taxi driver who thought he was drunk or on drugs. He was rambling incoherently and when told to stop leaning on the vehicle he headbutted the taxidriver. Arrested, he was abusive and in the police car he became agitated and headbutted the window.

Bridgewater was then put into a secure van. He continued to struggle violently and was taken to the ground by P.Sgt Miles Topham and WPC Faith Evans tried to secure his legs by lying on them. He appeared to go quiet physically but suddenly flayed his legs and kicked her in the face and she went crashing into a doorway.

In the police station, said Mr Ede, Bridgewater grabbed Sgt Topham's wrist watch and ripped it from his arm.

Bridgewater, of Gloweth, Truro, a man with previous convictions, including for biting a police officer's hand and other assaults, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and assault on a police officer.

He was defended by Edward Bailey who revealed a background of drink and drugs. Bridgewater, he said, normally lived in the St Columb area with his 88-year-old grandmother and cared for her when not working as a time-share salesman and kitchen porter. It was his intention to return to Spain when able. Bridgewater had never had supervision to address his alcohol problem.

Bridgewater's mother said that when he was shown the CCTV he was "appalled, horrified and disgusted" at his behaviour. "I really do not believe he realises what an absolute animal he can be when he touches alcohol," she declared.

Judge Jeffrey Rucker imposed a community order involving two years of supervision and attendance at the programme addressing substance related offending. He must also pay £500 compensation to WPC Evans and £60 for the repair of Sgt Topham's watch.

"I am convinced there is a lot of good in you, not many men of your age would care for an elderly grandmother or even be capable of doing so," he said. "You are going to get help, but if you fail I will probably have to send you back to prison."