A WREXHAM man has been handed hefty court bills after spitting in a woman's face on a city centre night out.

Mark Goodrum, of Watery Road, appeared for sentence at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old had previously admitted one offence of assault by beating and one of assaulting an emergency worker.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court the victim in respect of the first offence was 32-year-old Keely Roberts, who was out drinking in Wrexham city centre with family and friends on the evening of December 15.

Her group was in good spirits, having been to a couple of pubs - then moved on to the Karaoke Bar at around 11pm.

At around 1am, when Ms Roberts went out for a cigarette, the defendant approached and hurled foul language and abuse at her.

A member of her group also got involved but police intervened and spoke with Goodrum.

As Ms Roberts went to walk past the defendant, he spat "directly in her face for no apparent reason."

What followed was a "struggle," as a police officer took him to the ground and arrested him with the help of a door supervisor.

During the commotion, Goodrum had pushed the officer, constituting the assault against an emergency worker.

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During interview in custody, Goodrum said he'd been at the Karaoke Bar when he'd been approached by males who threatened to "beat him up."

Regarding the assault on the officer, he said he'd been "angry and worked up" and he remembered pushing - but wasn't sure if it had been against a police officer or bouncer at the time,

He could not remember spitting.

The matters were proved in his absence, as he did not attend his trial.

A probation officer told the court Goodrum had gotten into an argument with other males at the Karaoke Bar, which resulted in him being kicked out.

"He said he shouldn't have done what he did," the officer said.

"He should have walked away.

"But he'd had enough and maybe the fact he was under the influence of alcohol at the time impacted on his thought processes.

"He agrees he should not have pushed the police officer - he's very sorry for that.

"Emotions were high and he was in a bit of a fight or flight situation.

"It was not his intention to spit at the woman but he accepts spittle could have come out of his mouth.

"He currently work as an asbestos removal supervisor."

Goodrum had been out that night celebrating the birth of his son, the court heard.

Mike Gray, defending, told the court: "Mr Goodrum wants to make clear, he always intended to come for his trial.

"It was a genuine mistake."

Mr Gray said his client, described as a hard working man, accepted court fines and costs would take priority over his other outgoings.

"He does express remorse for what's taken place," he added.

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District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "This was an unpleasant incident in drink outside licenced premises in a very sensitive area of Wrexham.

"It's clear you had significantly more alcohol than was good for you in all the circumstances."

The Judge handed down custodial sentences of 24 weeks on each offence to run concurrent - but suspended them for 12 months.

Goodrum must undertake 160 hours of unpaid work, as well as paying £500 compensation to Ms Roberts - and £500 compensation to the police officer.

He must also pay £620 costs.