An inebriated man 'pestered' members of the public and asked them for money and cigarettes on an evening out, a court has heard.

Damian Wasyulwicz, 34, had been drinking in the White Hart Street car park in Thetford on May 17 when he was spotted approaching people on the street.

Wasyulwicz, of Fredrick Fitt Court, Watton, appeared at West Suffolk Magistrates Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Prosecuting, Tess Mann said Wasyulwicz was with a group of people drinking cans of beer in the car park opposite the King's Head pub at around 6.15pm.

He stood out because he was 'quite vocal' and initially provided false details to police, she said.

He was seen to be shouting, swearing and flailing his arms around in an aggressive manner. An officer noticed that his eyes were glazed, his speech was slurred and his breath smelt of alcohol.

Ms Mann said further officers were called and Wasyulwicz calmed down and left the area.

However, a short while later police were told by members of the public that a man, who turned out to be the defendant, had 'pestered them for money and cigarettes'.

She said: 'When he was seen he was speaking to an elderly gentleman and had his arm around the man and asked him for money.

'The gentleman clearly didn't want this attention, shrugged away the defendant and walked off.'

Police then arrested the defendant and he was charged with being drunk and disorderly.

Ms Mann added that although Wasyulwicz had no previous similar convictions, 'his record does demonstrate a tendency to commit offences whilst intoxicated'.

Speaking with an interpreter, Wasyulwicz said: 'I would like to apologise. I would never have behaved like that when sober. It was the alcohol that did it and I am sorry.'

He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £40 towards prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Sentencing Wasyulwicz, Paul Thacker said: 'This offence doesn't seem terribly serious on the face of it but it was prolonged and you pestered people for money and cigarettes including an elderly person.

'Alcohol is not a mitigating factor, it is an aggravation. You need to address that.'

He added: 'Do not let this get more serious than it already has.'