A HOMELESS man who attacked a Police Community Support Officer as he attempted to confiscate alcohol from him has been jailed for eight weeks.

Keith James Treviss threw a can of alcohol at the officer, then punched him in the face, causing him to fall off his bike in Bournemouth Square.

Poole Magistrates' Court heard Treviss, 51, continued to lash out after falling to the ground, scratching the officer's face and gazing his elbow.

Treviss admitted assault and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of, or provoke, unlawful violence when he appeared in court on June 7.

The court heard the incident took place at 12.35pm on Wednesday June 6 when the officer approached a group of people who had open alcohol containers in the area of The Square, which is a designated alcohol free zone.

Members of the public assisted the officer following the incident until hsi colleagues arrived and Treviss was arrested.

Police Constable Jo Morgan, of Dorset Police, said: "While fortunately he did not sustain any serious injuries, the officer in this case was simply doing his job and was confronted with violence and abuse.

"Dorset Police will not tolerate this kind of behaviour toward our officers, or any alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour, and I hope this case demonstrates that those responsible will be held accountable.

"I would also like to thank the members of the public who came to the officer’s assistance until his colleagues arrived."