WORRIED police officers who stopped their car to check on a “disorientated” man were instead showered with abuse and assaulted.

The officers stopped in Pallister Road, Clacton, to help 30-year-old Stuart Horn.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard Horn responded “if you get out of the car, I will smash your f****** face in.”

Sharon Hall, prosecuting, said: ““With that, they did get out of the vehicle to speak with him about the words he used.

“He became abusive towards the officers and continued to act in an aggressive way towards them.

“They became concerned for him, at one point a lady outside Frandon Hotel shouts out that he has mental health issues.”

As the officers tried to calm Horn down, he unleashed further abuse.

When Horn was restrained on the floor, he kicked out at an officer and spat towards another.

In custody, Horn, of Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, was also found to be in possession of 2g of cannabis.

He admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and possessing a Class B drug, although he denied he intended to kick the officer.

In a basis of plea, he also said he hadn’t intended to spit at the officer, and was instead “clearing his throat” because he suffered with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Levent Kemal, mitigating, said: “He was arrested for possession of cannabis and kicked out on a reckless basis with no attempt to harm anyone.

“He suffers from COPD and needed to clear mucus as a result, which was reckless because of the proximity of officers.

“He also wants me to highlight that he had a brain tumour and as a result of brain damage has difficulty with concentration and learning.”

Under an 18 month community order, Horn was ordered to complete a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement and must pay £100 in compensation to the two officers.

The chairman of the bench said: “You say you were reckless yet here were people offering to help you.

“Your response to them in checking on your safety is to lash out at them.

“You are responsible for your own actions.”