A drunk homeless man who collapsed at Church Stretton railway station was abusive to a woman paramedic who tried to help him, a court heard.

Joshua Morris, 20, who was later found to be armed with two knives, had to be restrained by five police officers.

Morris was jailed for six months at Shrewsbury Crown Court, having admitted charges relating to the possession of offensive weapons.

Judge Jim Tindal said that Morris’ behaviour had been appalling and he needed support, but the rest of his life was in his own hands.

The court heard that a police community support officer was called to the railway station just before 5pm on September 10 last year.

Mr John Oates, prosecuting, said Morris was collapsed in a shelter and the officer called for an ambulance.

A first responder attended and as Morris started to recover he became verbally abusive to the woman.

Mr Oates said there were fears he might stumble onto the train track and the PCSO called for assistance from British Transport police.

He said it took five officers to restrain him and he was placed in a special cell at the police station because of fears for his safety. Officers found he had two knives in his possession.

Mr Anthony Catrin, for Morris, said his client had come to Shropshire from Devon and was homeless and had developed drug and alcohol problems, as well as mental health issues.