A THIEF who attacked police officers after being confronted for stealing clothes has been ordered to do unpaid work.

Nathan Pedley, of St Mary’s Fields, Colchester, had travelled back to his former home in Oxford when he had a drink with friends although he believed his beer was spiked.

Afterwards he stole more than £450 worth of clothes from TK Maxx by stuffing the items in a bag.

When police officers spoke to him he punched one in the face and pushed two others on April 11.

Pedley, who is a recovering drug addict, also failed to surrender to bail at Oxford Magistrates’ Court when asked.

At a previous hearing, Pedley admitted four charges against him and was sentenced to a 12 month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Andrew Young, mitigating said: “He has had a number of past issues but has taken a long hard look at himself to take control of his problems.

“This is a blip.

“He had gone to Oxford to pick up his possessions unfortunately he saw some friends and had a drink which he believes to have been spiked.

“He has seen the CCTV and is shocked at what he has done.”