A factory worker found with 18 ecstasy tablets has been sentenced to 80 hours' community service.

David Clewer, 35, was also sentenced to 12 months probation by a judge at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

He was convicted of possessing 18 ecstasy tablets and causing £110 in criminal damage to a police car, by Oxford Magistrates' Court on April 23, and sent to the crown court for sentence.

The court was told Clewer, formerly of St Mary's Street, Wallingford, had given up drugs and moved to Derby.

Sue Davies, prosecuting, said Clewer was arrested following allegations of an assault at a restaurant.

She said he caused criminal damage to the police car by spitting blood onto the floor and upholstery from an injury he had received. Ecstasy tablets were found in his pocket.

Judge Peter Crawford QC told Clewer he would receive a lenient sentence because he had got off drugs and found a job. He ordered Clewer to pay £100 compensation for damaging the police car.