A Snodland man who assaulted and spat at police officers has been jailed.

Kenneth Britcher was sent to prison for six months after a series of violent and drunken offences during which he also head-butted an officer.

Police were called to a disturbance at his Willowside home on September 24 last year.

During his arrest, Britcher bit a police constable and struck another in the face. He also spat in their direction and screamed: "I hope you get Covid."

Britcher then appeared to become unwell and a female officer assisted him by holding a bucket in case he needed to be sick.

The 32-year-old turned his head from the bucket and spat in her face.

On January 5, police again attended Britcher’s home in connection with a further altercation.

He was arrested and taken to hospital for medical attention.

While waiting to be seen Britcher became abusive towards police officers, shouting and swearing. He head-butted one of the constables in the chest, forcing him backwards.

Britcher pleaded guilty at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court to five counts of assault. He also admitted being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage and an unrelated shoplifting offence.

The District Commander for Tonbridge and Malling, Chief Inspector Omid Changizi, said: "Britcher’s behaviour was utterly abhorrent.

"Every day our officers are required to attend unpredictable, challenging and sometimes volatile situations.

"However, like any other job, officers should be able to perform their roles without being the subject of such disgusting and potentially dangerous actions.

"Any assaults on police officers and staff are completely unacceptable and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who put their safety and the safety of other emergency workers at risk in this way."

Read more: All the latest news from Malling