AN expectant father who was enjoying “one last blowout” before his new baby arrives ended his night spitting at two police officers.

Jethro James Alfred Nicholls was put into a caged police vehicle in the early hours of September 5 after he refused to go home following an incident that started with him gesturing at a passing police car outside a Welshpool nightclub.

Nicholls – a factory worker currently furloughed – was ordered to pay nearly £700 in fines and costs by Welshpool Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 21, with chair of the bench Geoff Bull telling him: “It was one hell of an expensive afternoon out.”

Nicholls, of Erw Wen, Welshpool, admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency worker at the hearing, as well as a third charge of being drunk and disorderly.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said it was 3am when the incident began, as police were passing Moltos, on Welshpool’s Berriew Street.

“The defendant was in the middle of the road by Moltos and stuck two fingers up to a police car, the gesture was clearly aimed at them (the officers),” said Ms Tench.

“He was seen mimicking masturbating his friend, towards the police car, then began waving at the car. Officers warned him about his behaviour, which is when he became argumentative."

After being arrested, Ms Tench said: “He threatened to smash the officers’ faces in and break the jaws of officers when at the police station. He was put in a cell and when he was put to the floor, he spat in PC Parker’s direction, with spittle entering his eye.

“The officer said it was one of the worst possible things a person can do. PC Wilkinson saw spit land on his arm and felt spray land on his face. He described the defendant’s behaviour as abhorrent.”

Acting on his behalf, Paul Inns said Nicholls was shocked by his behaviour and wanted to apologise to officers.

“He was cooperative with police during interview about his behaviour," he said. "He has no previous convictions and is about to become a father in two weeks’ time.

“This was his last outing before the baby comes along. He drank far more than he ordinarily would and got into a state he would not ordinarily get into.

“He accepts what the police said and was shocked by his behaviour and wishes to apologise to the officers."

Magistrates ordered Nicholls to carry out a 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work.

He was fined £340 fine and will pay £50 compensation to each officer. He must also pay a £95 surcharge and £85 costs – making a total of £670. Magistrates made no separate penalty for being drunk and disorderly.

Nicholls’ behaviour was used as a warning for revellers in Powys to behave, especially with the festive period approaching.

“This is a reminder to members of the public to behave when they're out and about and consuming alcohol,” said Dyfed Powys Police Inspector Jonathan Rees-Jones.

“Any incident of this type of will be dealt with robustly and offenders will be brought to justice."