Jake Munson, 19, was arrested during a night out with friends in Hadleigh on September 2 after police were called to the town centre, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

On Thursday he faced charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

He was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, placed under an 18-month supervision order and under a three-month curfew, from 7pm to 5am. Munson, of Aldham Road, Hadleigh, was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to the three police officers

Judge Richard Atchley told Munson he took assaults on police officers very seriously.

He said: "The police are there to protect the public and you should not be punching them."

He added that he sympathised with his depression and believed he had "grown up a bit" during the two months he had already spent in custody for his crimes.

"This may encourage you to go out and get some work if you feel up to it," he added.

Ian Pells, for the prosecution, told the court Munson had received an ASBO in June, which specified not being drunk in a public place.

He said: "Officers could smell drink and could tell quite clearly that he was drunk."

When one tried to escort him to a police car, Munson began to struggle and kick, shouting abuse.

Mr Pells said: "He was taken to the floor but continued to kick and spit at officers before leg straps were used to restrain him."

The court heard how unemployed Munson received monthly disability allowance of £330 for depression.

Neil Macaulay, for Munson, said he was not robust.

He said: "Unfortunately this young man was detained in a mental health institution in London four to five months before this incident and was on suicide watch.

"When he had sobered up the day after the incident he did admit to everything," Mr Macaulay added.

He asked the judge to take into account his depression and his good behaviour since the incident took place.