A MAN has pleaded guilty to a public order offence and obstructing a police officer following a drunken incident in Wrexham town centre.

Richard Arthur O'Neill, 39, of Lower Road, Coedpoeth, was handed a community order following the altercation with Thomas Anthony Hughes on the afternoon of June 28, which had spilled on to the High Street from Lloyds Bar.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told Wrexham Magistrates Court that O'Neill had been seen on CCTV shortly after 4pm, throwing kicks and punches at Mr Hughes, and following his arrest, was seen trying to escape from a police vehicle.

Ms Jackson said the CCTV footage, which couldn't be shown to the court because of technical issues, also showed the incident took place in front of young children and other members of the public going about their day.

Melissa Griffiths, defending, said O'Neill, a father of two had entered the town centre that day with the intention of going clothes shopping but had stopped for lunch at Lloyds Bar and proceeded to drink eight pints.

Ms Griffiths added that O'Neill had known Mr Hughes for a number of years and accepts he was in the wrong and had been an idiot and that his behaviour had been negatively influenced by alcohol.

Ms Griffiths went on to add that O'Neill was trying to get his life back on track and had recently secured permanent employment and was also aiming to become teetotal.

O'Neill was ordered to pay a total of £170 and will have to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and a 20 day rehabilitation programme.