A MAN who smeared his own blood everywhere while drunk and disorderly in a discount drink store has avoided a jail sentence.

Paul Spicer, aged 35, from Pope Iron Road, Barbourne, Worcester, smeared his own blood around Bargain Booze, Ombersley Road, Worcester, after injuring himself with his own knife because he was so drunk, Worcester Magistrates heard yesterday.

The incident, which happened on Saturday, August 23, was "quite unpleasant" according to Peter Parson, prosecuting.

The three-and-a-half inch kitchen knife had been sticking out of the back of Mr Spicer's trousers, but he did not brandish it at anyone.

"He was rude and abusive to staff and refused to go to hospital for treatment," said Mr Parson.

"He smeared blood everywhere - it was quite an unpleasant incident."

Struggled

Spicer pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, and also to theft, on Tuesday, September 2, when he stole a bottle of Chardonnay from a Droitwich Road wine store.

He also pleaded guilty to theft on Friday, September 5, when he stole some alcohol and "a bit of food", from KwikSave, in Worcester.

He had been "completely drunk" and had struggled with police officers, according to Mr Parson.

"There is a theme running through this - he gets drunk, then threatens public servants when they are trying to deal with him," he said.

However, Andrew Childs, defending, said Spicer had been on an "approved detoxification scheme" since the incidents and had not offended since.

"I do not think Mr Spicer is an alcoholic," said Mr Childs.

"But he does suffer from depression. He has done well with the probation service, and he is very ashamed and embarrassed by the episode.

Unfortunate

"He is not a lost cause but he has been through a very difficult time with his private life."

Deputy district judge, Roger Lowe, said it was "unfortunate" to see someone who was intelligent behave like this but said he was going to trust Spicer.

"I am going to put you on trust and give you a helping hand not to go to prison," he said.

"But if you break this trust, that is where you will be going."

Spicer was given a one-year rehabilitation order and ordered to pay £200 costs.