A man who got blind drunk while on a church outing to the seaside has been given a prison sentence.

John James Murphy had to be restrained after telling an ambulance technician that he was going to “batter” him and stamp on his head.

James Neary, prosecuting at Llandudno magistrates’ court, said that on May 12 an ambulance was called to Colwyn Bay town centre where Murphy’s woman friend was injured.

Murphy, aged 43, was also taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital.

He fell asleep with seatbelts on him but woke up and didn’t know where he was.

He threatened technician Robert Townsend and on arrival at hospital security had to be called.

“He was still being abusive and but was unable to get up, and had to be restrained,” said Mr Neary.

When interviewed later Murphy, of Edgewood Road, Rednall, Birmingham, could remember drinking but could remember nothing about being in the ambulance.

He pleaded guilty to common assault.

Roger Thomas, defending, said the defendant had been on a church visit to Colwyn Bay but had not taken his medication for a mental health problem.

When he started panicking he drank to help him calm down.

District Judge Gwyn Jones said it was an extremely unpleasant incident in which Murphy made things difficult for those who were trying to help him.

“Members of the public would quite rightly be appalled by your behaviour, coming on a church trip but rather than enjoying the area threatening officer who tried to help you,” he said.

“You continued with your threats while in hospital.”

Murphy was given an eight-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and must also observe a 7pm – 7am curfew for 13 weeks.

He was also ordered to pay Mr Townsend £200 in compensation, in addition to a surcharge of £115 and £85 costs.