A DRUNK man who kicked a police officer said he did so because his glasses had been knocked off and he “felt panicked”.

Kim Rogerson of Wyndham Road in Salisbury admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place and assaulting a constable at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday.

The 55-year-old had been drinking with his friend on August 19 at the Old Ale House in Crane Street when he became abusive to members of staff after he was refused service at around 11.30pm.

Kate Prince, prosecuting, said Rogerson was ejected from the pub by fellow pub-goers but as he tried to enter the bar again he walked into the door which caused his mouth to bleed.

Rogerson became abusive and was in the middle of the road swearing when police arrived and tried to arrest him.

“Mr Rogerson suddenly became abusive towards the officers and tried to kick PC Ballard in the groin but made contact with his upper thigh,” Ms Prince said.

Following the assault Rogerson's legs were restrained in the police van.

The court heard Rogerson had drunk 10 double Jack Daniels and Cokes before becoming abusive.

Nick Redhead, in mitigation, said Rogerson had a “different take” of how the incident had unfolded.

“He had come into town, he didn’t expect to be out for a long time but bumped into an old friend,” Mr Redhead said.

“He then went to the bar and asked a gentleman behind the bar to call him a taxi and they refused.”

Magistrate Simon Browning was told that Rogerson had poor eyesight and avoided walking home in the dark.

Mr Redhead added that Rogerson believed he was punched in the face.

“At this point he said he was punched to the face and at that point in time he lost his glasses,” a member of the probation service said.

“When he doesn’t have his glasses he is virtually blind which leaves him in a position of feeling panicked and vulnerable.

“He was not aware it was a police officer coming towards him and felt he had to defend himself and that’s why he assaulted the police officer.”

Rogerson was handed a 12-month community order in which he will have to complete 10 rehabilitation days.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 surcharge.