‘Missiles’ were flung at police who attempted to coax a fisherman out of the Cleddau river, a court has heard.

Luke Grice, 27, of College Park, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty and using threatening, abusive words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in Haverfordwest on June 25.

The court heard that Grice jumped into the river near Picton Place in the early hours of the morning, following an incident at a local night club.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said: “Police attempted to ensure his safety and tried to get him to come out of the water.”

Grice, who works as a fisherman, responded by swearing at the officers and remained in the river as a crowd gathered and emergency services arrived. He was seen to make throwing motions, and an officer was hit on his head by an object.

Miss Morgan added: “Some sort of missile headed towards them. An officer was subjected to a sharp thud and pain to the side of his head. Something bounced off him which sounded like a pebble hitting the pavement.”

Officer Daniel Morris was left with a tender bump on his head and Grice was arrested at the scene, after leaving the river of his own accord and being checked by paramedics.

In interview Grice claimed he had been throwing stones in the air, and had not intended to injure anyone, but realised it was not a good idea when so many people were nearby and apologised to the officer.

Mark Layton, defending, told the bench that Grice grabbed grit from the river bed while waist-high in the water, and showered himself and people in the vicinity, believing it was small pieces of grit that would not cause any harm.

He said: “He must have inadvertently picked up a larger stone.”

“It’s rather strange behaviour. I am sure that drink played a part. He said he was sorry for everything that had happened.”

Magistrates fined Grice £265 and ordered him to pay £50 compensation to the officer, plus £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.