A MAN who subjected a police officer to drunken racist abuse later said he was "only joking," a court heard.

Mark Williams, of New Brighton Road in Bagillt, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 49-year-old admitted that on January 15, he used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards PC Sarah Munbodhowa - and the behaviour was racially aggravated.

Julia Galston, prosecuting, told the court that at around 10.30am, emergency services received a call regarding concerns for a male in the High Street at Bagillt.

Police arrived at the scene and found Williams on a park bench with a part-consumed bottle of vodka nearby.

He'd been aggressive towards ambulance staff who had also been called, and when asked by the police to return home he told them to "f*** off."

One of the officers went to speak with the ambulance crew whilst Officer Munbodhowa stayed with the defendant.

Williams looked directly at her and yelled a racial slur at her, following which he was arrested.

When interviewed, he couldn't remember the incident.

In a victim statement read to the court, Officer Munbodhowa said she is of Mauritian descent and felt the remark had been made to upset and hurt her.

She said: "It demeaned me when I was trying to help someone - I am here to aid and help the public.

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"I can't change who I am or how I look; I shouldn't be targeted for who I am."

Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court: "He made full and frank admissions in interview and there was body-worn footage which he didn't wish to be played.

"The officer played it and he heard the word. He immediately said sorry, I was only joking.

"He accepted the word would have caused offence and he's thoroughly ashamed of himself."

Ms Lewis said her client had been on a "week long bender," having not consumed alcohol for seven-and-a-half years.

The level of alcohol consumption and subsequent damage resulted in him being rushed to Glan Clwyd Hospital two days later and placed in an induced coma on life support.

He has since abstained from consuming alcohol and is receiving support, she added.

The Leader:

Nicholas Colbourne, chair of the magistrates, told the defendant: "Mr Williams, this is a horrible offence.

"We're told you're ashamed and quite rightly you should be.

"The officer has every right to go to her work and not be spoken to in that manner.

"There's no excuse for it."

Williams received a £200 fine and was ordered to pay the officer £200 in compensation.