A THUG headbutted a policeman before threatening to kill his colleague and family after going on a drugs binge.

Aaron Slade assaulted PC Rhys Pritchard who had helped him and taken him to the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran over concerns about his health.

Whilst at the hospital, the defendant attacked him and then threatened to kill PC Mark Rogowski, prosecutor Jenny Yeo said.

MORE NEWS: ‘Blind’ drug driver nearly killed cop in horror crash

The officers had been called to attend to a “heavily intoxicated” Slade at 3am in the morning on Saturday, April 10 in Old Cwmbran.

He was carrying a bag of cocaine and was taken to the Grange University Hospital because he was slipping in and out of consciousness.

The defendant was abusive to a nurse before he headbutted PC Pritchard and launched into a tirade against PC Rogowski and his family.

He told the latter: “I swear down I will find you – you’d better watch out.”

READ MORE: Driver shot in chest with Taser carried on escape bid in dramatic police chase

Slade, 33, of Nether Court, Greenmeadow, Cwmbran, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, public disorder and possession of cocaine.

Mrs Yeo said the defendant had 21 previous convictions for 39 offences, including grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and harassment.

Peter Donnison told Cardiff Crown Court how his client, who appeared in court via video link, had “cleaned up” since being held in prison.

His barrister said: “The defendant wants to sincerely apologise to the officer.

“He had a drug problem and was working with GDAS (Gwent Drug & Alcohol Service).”

Judge Huw Rees told Mr Donnison: “I’m going to give him a chance and if he throws it back in my face that’s up to him and his tough luck.”

Turning to Slade, he said: “Headbutting someone is one of the most pathetic and cowardly acts you can think about.

“For goodness sake, you are 33 years of age now. I will be watching you carefully.

“You mustn’t behave towards the police in this way. This officer was coming to your assistance.”

The defendant was jailed for 20 weeks, suspended for 12 months.

The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cocaine and told Slade he will have to pay a victim surcharge.