A Betws man has claimed he blacked-out before attempting to assault an Ammanford drinker who was chatting to police in the street at the time.

Matthew David Fox, of 8 Park Street, approached the man – who has not been named – and tried to punch him in the face while he was talking to PC Harries outside the Railway Hotel in Quay Street at 2am on April 13.

Nick Newton, prosecuting, told Llanelli magistrates how PC Harries visited the pub on an unrelated matter and was talking to two of the customers outside.

“While the men were talking to the officer, Fox came across the road and began attacking one of them,” said Mr Newton.

“The man was still talking to the officer.

“Fox was trying to punch him in the face.”

PC Harries arrested Fox and placed him in handcuffs, but the 22-year-old kicked out, striking the constable in his left leg.

“He almost swept him off his feet,” said Mr Newton.

Extra officers arrived at the scene and were able to restrain Fox – who was convicted of assaulting a police officer in 2010.

Fox was taken to Ammanford police station where he apologised for kicking the officer.

In interview, Fox said he attacked the other man because he had been “chopsing” at his girlfriend.

He told officers he had left the pub after arguing with the man inside.

He claimed he then “walked across the road but blacked-out”.

“He said he cannot remember attacking the man, but he does remember kicking the officer,” Mr Newton told the court.

The victim of the assault refused to make any complaint against Fox.

Andrew Isaac, defending, said Fox apologised for his actions, particularly kicking the officer.

“It was a reckless act,” said Mr Isaacs.

Fox pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour and admitted assaulting a police officer.

Magistrates sentenced him to a 12-month community order with 12 months supervision and a requirement to attend five alcohol awareness sessions.

He was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and made to pay £85 court costs and a £60 legal surcharge.

Fox was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to PC Harries.