A WORCESTER man who was jailed for attempted murder in 1996 has been given a community order after assaulting a police officer in the city centre.

Andrew Powell served seven-and-a-half years of a 10 year sentence after he stabbed Tony Coldicott for kissing his girlfriend Julie Hossack.

Powell was banned from Worcester until his licence expired and moved back in with his parents in 2006.

In the early hours of Sunday, August 30, this year, Powell was seen on CCTV being aggressive towards another man in The Cross.

Worcester Magistrates Court heard how two police officers attended and tried to restrain Powell but he resisted their efforts before pushing one of the officers.

He then threw a punch which dislodged the officer’s ear piece.

Brian O’Connell, defending, said his client was angry and had “lost-it”. He said: “He didn’t even realise it was a police officer at the time.After seven years in prison he has found it difficult to adapt as all of his friends have moved on.

“He is a very placid person but every so often he explodes.”

Powell, of Birch Avenue, Tolladine, admitted assaulting a police officer and also pleaded guilty to a public order offence – causing fear of unlawful violence.

The 36-year-old was sentenced to an 18-month community order where he must complete the CALM program to help him control and manage his anger. Passing sentence, chairman of the magistrates, Mary Child, said: “We considered all the sentencing options available to us, including custody.

“Having regard to your previous offences, we feel the CALM programme offers the best solution to your behaviour. I don’t need to spell it out to you what will happen if you don’t stick to this program.” Powell was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs.

l Your Worcester News was the only member of the media at this hearing.