A DRUNK man who was shouting and swearing at people in a town centre fell as he attempted to hit another man and 'tripped over his own feet', a court heard.

Adrian Hemsley, aged 43, appeared in Weymouth Magistrates' Court for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to one count of common assault, one count of assault by beating, and one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.

Prosecuting, Elizabeth Valera, said that the defendant, of Cecil Road in Bournemouth, was in Wareham town centre and was walking on the high street in the middle of the afternoon, at around 2.20pm. A female witness described him 'roaring' and repeatedly shouting at people, and at times getting close to them, yelling: "Where is your f***ing mask."

It was heard that Hemsley then physically assaulted a man who had just come out of a shop and was going back to his place of work.

The victim said the defendant was acting disorderly and shoved him in his mid-torso outside of Boots and that the shove was hard enough for him to step back.

He said Hemsley then attempted to swing a punch at him but in doing so 'tripped over his own feet' and fell over.

The victim said he was 'shocked' by the actions of Hemsley and said he couldn't smell any alcohol on him and thought the defendant was suffering with a mental health issue.

Hemsley was arrested and in interview told police that he had drunk one third of a bottle of vodka and had been to the pub. On a scale of drunkenness he told police at the time he was '10 out of 10'.

The defendant said he couldn't remember anything but accepted that it was him and was apologetic for his behaviour.

Ms Valera added: "He said I'm really sorry it's happened."

Mitigating, Patricia Sheehan, said that Hemsley had a problem with alcohol but was turning his life around and had recently started a new job.

She said:"He is very much sorting himself out.

"He is someone who is clear about his problem and is incredibly sorry about it."

Chair of the bench, Sandra Wayman, said: "We think this offence is serious enough for us to make a community order."

Hemley was given a 12-month community order and must complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £50 compensation towards the victim he physically assaulted, a £95 victim surcharge and £85 towards court costs.