A VIOLENT man who kicked a woman in the face and spat at police officers during the Covid-19 pandemic admitted he is “an animal when he drinks”.

Judge David Pugh lambasted Nicky Tayler for spitting at someone during the pandemic knowing it would cause “distress” and a “very real risk” of infecting someone.

Ipswich Crown Court heard in September 2019, Tayler, 26, assaulted a former partner in a hotel room at Marks Tey Best Western Hotel, in London Road, by kicking her in the face.

He then struck her in the face again outside the hotel, causing her to bleed, before blocking her attempts to get up by restraining her in a headlock and dragging her away.

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When challenged by a witness, the defendant shouted: “What are you going to do about it?” before then headbutting an off-duty police officer who tried to intervene.

Mr Pugh said it was clear the defendant had a serious issue with alcohol which needed addressing as, in December 2020, at Premier Inn, in St Peter’s Street, Colchester, there were further offences.

Police officers went to arrest Tayler for being drunk and disorderly outside the hotel after being refused entry, before the defendant began spitting at officers both inside and outside a police van.

The spit landed on PC Adam Smith’s leg during the assault and the van had to be cleaned.

Tayler was handed a 38-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting assault by beating, using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, obstructing a police officer, being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Sentencing Tayler, of Borehamgate, King Street, Sudbury, Mr Pugh said he should send him “immediately” to prison as “maybe that will teach you a lesson”.

He instead imposed a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, ordered the completion of an accredited programme, 200 hours of unpaid work and an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement for 120 days.

Reacting to his sentence, Tayler said: “I am an animal when I drink but I have a good heart.”