AN Andover beggar has been jailed for four months after assaulting a police officer.

Anthony Jenkyn Williams, of Bridge Street, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison when he appeared before magistrates in Basingstoke on Thursday after admitting to assaulting the policewoman in Andover on Wednesday.

The 44-year-old also pleaded guilty to stealing two toothbrushes valued at £560 from Boots and alcohol worth £78 from Marks & Spencer for which no further penalty was given.

Magistrates deemed the assault serious enough to warrant a prison sentence because of his persistent reoffending after being made the subject of a criminal behaviour order for begging in the town centre.

Williams was also ordered to pay £150 compensation and a £115 victim surcharge.