A HOMELESS man 'attempted to kick through the door of a preschool while young children were inside' - just days before spitting at a police officer.

David Crowhurst shouted and swore at Dania Desiderio, deputy manager of the East Cliff Preschool in Holdenhurst Road, during the "frightening" incident on June 11.

Jason Spellman, prosecuting the case at Poole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, said children aged two to four were sitting down for circle time when the doorbell rang.

Ms Desiderio answered the door to Crowhurst, who was asking about a homeless shelter and "clearly acting oddly".

"The victim explained that this was a preschool, and said she was sorry she couldn't help," Mr Spellman said.

"[Crowhurst] became agitated and said, 'I know this is a ******* preschool',"

The victim attempted to close the door as Crowhurst put both hands on the other side in an attempt to force it open again.

Staff and youngsters then heard a "loud banging", which "continued as if he was kicking the door".

"It was alarming and distressing for the children inside," the prosecutor said.

"They could see a gap under the door, as if it was going to break. Staff were worried and scared for the children."

The preschool's manager then went to the door and asked Crowhurst to stop, telling him: "You're scaring the children."

He replied: "I know - I just want the homeless place."

Police were called and the defendant was arrested. He later admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence.

Crowhurst had already pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage, one of assaulting a PC in the execution of her duty and one of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The charges relate to an incident on June 14. Police were called to Poole High Street after a member of the public saw Crowhurst standing in a telephone box and smashing the receiver against the unit.

When officers arrived, he was arrested and handcuffed. He then told police: "****off - I've got a ******* gun and I'm going to shoot you in the head."

He then spat at a female officer. His saliva hit her arm.

Once in a cell at Bournemouth police station, Crowhurst used excrement to smear 'IRA' on a wall.

Mr Spellman said: "It's obviously a disgusting thing to do."

Selina Goddard, mitigating, said the defendant initially comes from Southampton. He has been street homeless in Bournemouth without medication for his mental health issues for several months after moving when he was attacked by other rough sleepers.

"He is deeply upset to find himself in this position," she said.

"He was mortified to hear one of the offences involved a preschool."

Crowhurst is no longer using class A drugs and is not an alcoholic, the court heard.

The defendant was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and issued with a restraining order preventing him from visiting the East Cliff United Reformed Church, where the preschool meets.

He must also pay a £115 surcharge.