AN ALCOHOLIC who kicked and punched two police officers whilst drunk was sentenced to serve a number of rehabilitation programmes at Richmond Court.

Thirty seven-year-old Andrew Hensey of Brickfield Close, Hereford, had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Butler and PC Foster outside the Duke of York pub in Hanworth. He was also charged with resisting arrest and being drunk and disorderly and appeared in court for sentencing after his first hearing was adjourned for reports.

Prosecutor Kash Malik told the court: "On November 25th 2002, police were called to the Duke of York where a man had possibly been hit by a bus. When the officers arrived the bus driver said that the defendant and another man had tried to board the bus but were refused entry because they were drunk. The man then threw himself at the bus.

"When the officers questioned the defendant, he became aggressive and punched PC Butler in the face. He then kicked PC Foster in the leg. Butler received a swelling on the side of his cheek and Foster had a swelling on his right shin bone. When more officers arrived, he became more aggressive - swinging and punching."

George Keppe, defending Hensey, said: " He has gone from being a chronic alcoholic to volunteering himself on various medical courses. He knows that if he doesn't change the pattern of his life, he will be dead."

Hensey was sentenced to attend a one year community rehabilitation order as well as a domestic intervention project and alcohol counselling, plus £55 costs.

May 30, 2003 10:30