A defendant has thanked magistrates for giving him an opportunity to address his heroin addiction after pleading guity to a charge of assaulting a police officer, who was on duty in Ammanford station.

"Thank you," Thomas Williams told the bench at Llanelli magistrates court. 

"I need the help because I know I can't do it on my own. I've been trying for years."

Williams had pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting an emergency worker, namely police sergeant Wilkins, who serves as a custody officer in Ammanford station.

Williams had been taken to the station on January 24 for questioning in relation to an unrelated incident.

Inside the cell he became irate and began verbally threatening the officers.

"What's stopping me from assaulting a police officer?" he asked. 

The officers then saw him wrap his jacket around his neck and attempt to strangle himself.

As they moved towards him he pushed out at sergeant Wilkins with both hands.  At this point the officers had to use restraints to prevent further assaults.

After listening to the proseuction evidence, magistrates were told by probation officer Ms Julie Bird that Williams takes heroin on a daily basis.

"That night he was in an extremely distressed situation which was partly caused because of withdrawal," she said.

Following a short adjournment, magistrates sentenced Williams to a 12 month community order and a six months rehabilitation order when he will receive assistance in tackling is heroin addiction.

He was also fined £70 and must pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.