A LLANDOVERY man who forced a terrified police officer to get out his baton for the first time in six years of service has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.

Luke Daniel Charles Watson, of 14 Bronhaul, Cynghordy, was sentenced by Ammanford magistrates after pleading guilty to the offence, as well as resisting arrest and possessing a controlled drug, at an earlier appearance.

The incidents occurred after police officers were called to the address by the 26-year-old's mother, who had reported him for kicking the front door in.

Vaughan Pritchard Jones, prosecuting, said: "PC Robert Morgan attended the scene and when he went to arrest the defendant, Watson said, you can't arrest me, I pay half of the rent'.

The court was told how a chase ensued after Watson had escaped from the officers and then jammed PC Morgan's hand in a patio door.

The officer eventually caught Watson in a nearby field but had to get out his baton and spray to subdue the defendant.

"PC Morgan has been in the force for six years and this was the first time he had to draw his baton," said Mr Pritchard Jones.

Aled Owen, defending, said he had warned his client what was ahead of him after magistrates had ordered a pre-sentence report to be compiled with community service in mind.

He said: "This was an extremely foolish incident."

The presiding magistrate told Watson he was lucky to have a mother who would not kick him out, but said it was appalling that his mother seemed to be afraid of him when he was drunk.

"It's despicable that she is afraid of you when you are drunk," the chairman said.

"We get some people coming here who haven't even got a home, so you should bear that in mind."

Watson was ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and pay £50 compensation to PC Morgan with £50 costs.