A police officer was hit in the face when a Haverfordwest man failed to recognise him in the midst of a melee, a court heard this week.

Rhys Evan Thomas, 21, of Haroldston Close, Merlins Bridge, pleaded guilty to wilfully obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty, when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.

The court heard that police were called to a late night disturbance in Castle Square, Haverfordwest, on February 18, where several men were fighting.

Door staff assisted officers in breaking up the incident, and an officer was hit in the face as a hand swung towards him.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said: “The punch made contact with the officer’s mouth area causing a cut lip.”

She added: “Officers have to put up with rough and tumble in their job, but they should not have to go home injured.”

The court heard that Thomas, who was of previous clean character, had been out for the night with friends, and tried to assist when one became involved in the scuffle.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said: “Foolishly he tried to pull him out.

“Unfortunately in front of him was an officer, who was not wearing a high-viz jacket, but a blue jacket. Had he had a yellow jacket my client might have known there was someone in authority there.

“He accidently caught the officer. He apologised profusely to the officer that night.”

Mr Kelleher added that while around ten people were involved in the melee, only Thomas had appeared in court, and he had tried to help after finding himself in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered Thomas to pay £75 compensation to the officer.

He will also pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.