A Montgomery man bit a police officer he went to school with after he attended his home for a welfare check, a court heard.

Jamie Alan Selvey, 37, of Tan-y-Mur, admitted the charge of assault by beating of an emergency worker at Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Ceri Ellis-Jones, prosecuting, said that on November 25, Police Officer Wilkinson "attended his home address as a result of calls concerned for the defendant's welfare."

The court heard that the officer knelt down beside Selvey, who was on the sofa, to "check he was ok". Ms Ellis-Jones said the defendant then said swore at the officer, telling him to get off him and to get out of his house.

Magistrates heard that at one point the defendant was fine and apologetic, but that he also became irritating and aggressive.

PC Wilkinson has concerns as Selvey's behaviour was escalating and unpredictable, the court heard. He was then arrested by the officer.

After the officer eventually put handcuffs on the defendant he felt a "sharp pain" on his left forearm, Ms Ellis-Jones told magistrates.

"He realised the defendant had bitten him with his upper and lower teeth on his arm."

A picture shown to magistrates showed no broken skin but a single red mark.

The prosecution said the "most significant" crime on Selvey's record is that of another assault on a police officer in October of this year. "The circumstances in that case are identical. The officer was called to his address for concerns of his welfare," Ms Ellis-Jones said.

"This officer just tried to assist the defendant, I'm sure he realises that," she added.

Robert Hanratty, defending, said that Selvey is a "young man with mental health issues". The court heard that he has depression and anxiety. Mr Hanratty said that consuming alcohol was a driver in committing the offences.

Mr Hanratty said Selvey was in school with PC Wilkinson and that he is "very apologetic". He said that he is usually a "quietly spoken young man" and that it is "such a shame" that he has these issues.

The chair of the bench, Nerys Jones, said it was a "serious offence" as the officer was there to help to defendant.

Magistrates revoked Selvey's existing community order for his previous assault on a police officer. He was given an 18 month order including nine months of treatment for alcohol dependency and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

The defendant was also fined £40 and told to pay £50 in compensation to Newtown Police Station, £85 in court costs and £90 in victim surcharge.