A prolific criminal has been spared jail after assaulting a medical worker while in custody for another offence.

Norwich Magistrates' Court heard the incident happened after Smith, of Stracey Road, Norwich, requested first aid while being held in cells at the same court, on April 9.

The hearing was told Smith thought the medic "looked at him funny" and pushed him while shouting expletives. The victim was not injured.

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James Smith, 47, pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates' CourtJames Smith, 47, pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

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Smith pleaded guilty to common assault.

The court was told that Smith had previously committed numerous other offences, including assault, theft and burglary and had served prison time.

Mitigating for Smith was James Landles, who told magistrates that his defendant had not taken his medication while in custody which influenced his irrational behaviour.

Magistrates sentenced Smith to a conditional discharge for an 18-month period.

He is also to pay the medical worker £50 in compensation.

James Smith, 47, pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates' CourtJames Smith, 47, pictured leaving Norwich Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)