A drunk ended up in trouble with the police just days after being let out of prison.

Roy Hegley, 45, was drinking a three-litre bottle of Frosty Jack's white cider with pals near Priory Street, Colchester, when officers approached.

He became abusive when they tried to confiscate the drink and was arrested.

Homeless Hegley admitted disorderly conduct at the weekend. A court heard he had numerous similar convictions and had been released from prison just days earlier.

Russell Haldane, mitigating, said Hegley had been homeless for seven years and lived in a tent near East Hill, but hoped to move into permanent accommodation.

He had now signed an acceptable behaviour contract and was "genuinely embarrassed" by his behaviour.

Hegley escaped a £50 fine and £60 costs because of time served in custody.