Powys man spared jail when he appeared in court two months after being given a suspended prison sentence for offences that happened on the same day.

Michael Evans, 41, was back at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 26.

He was charged with assaulting Nick Prosser outside the Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, on July 26 and causing criminal damage to a Dyfed Powys Police van on the same day.

These offences occurred on the same day as Evans, of Gwynfa, Llandrindod Wells, admitted assaulting a police officer by spitting in his face.

Evans was given an 18-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 12 months for the spitting incident in September.

Prosecuting, Mr James Ashton said: “The underlying incident which turned into the suspended sentence was a 999 call, citing problems outside the Llanerch.

“Mr Prosser said the defendant punched him to the jaw and chest. They are known to each other, they live together in the same supported living accommodation.

“Over the course of an evening the defendant had become difficult towards staff and members of the public, and he was asked to leave. He then punched Mr Prosser. He then spat in the rear of a police vehicle on the way to Newtown Police Station.

“This all should have been bundled up together. Had these offences been tied up with the previous offence, they would not have affected the sentence.”

Chairman of the Magistrates, Lorna Jones, said: “We’d like to say sorry, this should have been dealt with at the time.

“We have heard good things (about how you’re getting on with the [previous] order, you’re working well with probation. Due to this excellent progress, there won’t be any additional punishment.”

Evans was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 10 months, for the assault – this will be served concurrently to the existing suspended sentence.

There was no separate penalty for the criminal damage offence and no costs were ordered.