A MAN who slapped a court official executing a fines warrant has been jailed for nine months.

Stephen Pullen, 40, also held a piece of wood in a threatening manner in front of John Francis and colleague Michael Salt during the incident in Newport, a court heard.

Pullen swore at the officers saying "I'll have you" at the address in Leach Road, Bettws.

Mr Francis became fearful for his safety after being struck across the right side of his face but was later taken down to the floor, Newport Crown Court was told.

Pullen, of Leach Road, Bettws, had 33 offences recorded against him for matters including battery, actual bodily harm and being drunk and disorderly.

Defence barrister, Ben Waters said his client had been under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the incident on March 11.

When arrested, he denied the offences but later pleaded guilty to one count of affray and a further charge of common assault.

Mr Waters said his client had acted "impulsively", had not swung the piece of wood and the slap had not resulted in any injury.

He added that Pullen was misusing drugs at the time and stressed he had pleaded guilty to the offences.

Judge DJ Hale jailed him for nine months for the affray and three months for common assault, to be served concurrently.

Judge Hale told him: "Enforcement officers, bailiffs and police have a job to do and can't be threatened.

"I have knowledge of problems that you have had in the past but this is no excuse when threatening and hitting people who are doing their job."

Judge Hale also ordered Pullen to pay a £100 victim surcharge.