A MAN swung punches at a paramedic who was “condescending” despite trying to help with his chest pains, a court heard.

Richard Smith pleaded guilty to assaulting emergency ambulance worker Barry Meering after complaining of pains.

The court heard Smith, 43, was listening to a radio programme which advised people with breathing difficulties to close all windows in their house.

However, when paramedics arrived on July 12, Smith’s “temper exploded” and he demanded the worker left his house.

Prosecuting, Sital Mond said: “The defendant knelt down and then swung five punches at Mr Meering. Of his punches only two connected.”

Ms Mond told the court that Mr Meering managed to restrain Smith adding: “He was agitated, confused, shocked and had difficulty breathing.”

Mitigating, Michael McGoldrick said Smith felt Mr Meering was being “condescending” and not taking his chest pains seriously.

He said: “Mr Smith suffers from emphysema and heart problems. He suffers with depression and has anxiety issues. He heard on the radio to close his windows and didn’t think that he was being taken seriously.”

Mr McGoldrick told the court that Smith had been using heroin since he was 15.

But added: “He apologises unreservedly for his actions.”

Smith, of Cinnamon Court, Hill Lane, was given a 12-month community order and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Meering.

He was also ordered to pay £50 costs.