A DALTON man attempted to headbutt a police officer after becoming 'angry' when he was woken up, a court heard.

Michael Jones, 30, was found lying on a street corner in Dalton on December 17 by the police where they 'tried to wake him up,' prosecutor Paul Cummings told Preston Crown Court.

He said: "He appeared to have taken drugs or alcohol. The ambulance arrived - paramedics were dealing with him. His father lived at an address near to where he was." 

The court heard that for an unclear reason, Jones went back to this address and the police later arrived. 

"The defendant fell asleep on the sofa," Mr Cummings said.

When he was woken up, he became 'upset and angry,' he said.

"He was struggling while they were trying to take him from the address," the court heard. 

It was at this point Jones tried to headbutt PC Bleasdale. The officer had to take 'evasive action' the court heard. 

The officers also found a small amount of cannabis on Jones. 

"In the interview he apologised for his actions towards the officers," Mr Cummings said. Jones was 'annoyed and upset' by the officers going to his father's address. 

Defending, Lewis Bocking said Jones was already subject to a community order which put a restriction on drinking alcohol and is 'making good progress.' 

At points during Mr Bocking's submissions, Jones expressed directly to Judge Darren Samuel Preston that the alcohol treatment programme was working and he wanted to continue it. 

Mr Bocking described Jones at the time of the offence as a 'functioning alcoholic.' 

Mr Bocking said Jones had found employment as a landscape gardener, and he provided a carer role for his father and his partner - all of which would be hampered by a custodial sentence. 

"He's 30," Mr Bocking said. "He doesn't wish to be the revolving door that comes before this court. He wants to be a productive member of society."

Judge Preston said Jones had a 'bad record' 

"You struggled with a police officer but thankfully without success," the judge said. 

Because of his 'great progress' with alcohol treatment, the judge said it would 'help you and help society' if Jones continued it. 

Judge Preston imposed a 12-month community order on Jones concurrent to the one he is already subject to.

"You know this is concurrent to help you," the judge said. "Carry on the good work."