AN art student spat in the face of a police officer who was trying to help him – after he told friends he was going to kill himself.

Noah Blake-Dafaalla, aged 20, revealed through a series of Snapchat messages that he planned to commit suicide by finding a bridge and jumping off it, a court heard.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said PC Dan Smart found a drunk Blake-Dafaalla in a bar in Friar Street in the early hours of March 1.

As it was snowing, Blake-Dafaalla, of Maple Avenue in Worcester, was asked to sit in the back of the police 4x4 not only to find out what was happening but to keep warm.

Slurring his words, Blake-Dafaalla used obscene language and became increasingly agitated and abusive before spitting in the face of PC Smart.

A statement from PC Smart was read out in court, in which the officer said he had been concerned for Blake-Dafaalla’s mental health and was simply trying to help him.

Blake-Dafaalla admitted assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Gerry Vahey, defending, said the student had no recollection of his actions.

He added: “He knows that what he did was disgusting and he is very sorry for that.”

District Judge French called Blake-Dafaalla’s act ‘totally unacceptable and ‘despicable’ and said his offence went beyond the punishment of a fine.

He said: “If somebody behaved in that way to you, I am sure you would be very upset.”

Blake-Dafaalla said he has now contacted the relevant services – including the crisis team and his GP – and admitted he needs support.

Blake-Dafaalla was ordered to serve a six-month community sentence which includes ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He must also pay £200 compensation, £135 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

District Judge French told him: “If you can find the money for a bottle of vodka, you can find the money to pay the court.”