A MAN has avoided an immediate prison sentence after assaulting police officers during a one-day crime spree.

Lee Saunder Pickett, of Randalls Croft Road, Wilton, pleaded guilty to a string of offences in Harnham, including the emergency worker assaults and damaging various pieces of property.

Heard by Salisbury Magistrates' Court, the assaults and damages all took place on June 16.

On this day Pickett assaulted two officers and, heard by Magistrates, he also pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive behaviour and displaying visuals that were racially aggravated.

On the same day he damaged a vehicle belonging to Wiltshire Police and some windows in the area.

The 28-year-old was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison, suspended for two years.

This means the judicial punishment will not be enforced unless a further crime is committed during this two-year window.

The reason for custody was based on Pickett's previous record and community order, repeat offences on the same day, threats of Covid-19 infection, the victims affected and police involved being on duty.

He was ordered to have treatment for alcohol dependency for six months, complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend activities and appointments as instructed by an officer.

Pickett was also ordered to pay a total compensation of £370.

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