A REGISTERED sex offender with learning difficulties who allegedly attacked a support worker at his supported accommodation in Crewkerne has been released on bail by magistrates.

Louis Gosling, described in court as a “vulnerable” man diagnosed with a number of mental health problems, was alleged to have prevented the victim and a fellow support worker from leaving his house while they were looking after him on a 2-1 basis and kicked an internal door a number of times.

He allegedly punched the male complainant to the chest causing pain and was then said to have spat directly at him, landing on his face, mouth and t-shirt.

The defendant then allegedly tried to punch the complainant a second time but he managed the move out of the way.

Gosling was then said to have told both the support workers that they were not going out and said he had a knife in his pocket, however a knife was not seen.

Gosling, 20, of North Street, Crewkerne, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Peter Saville by beating him during the incident on May 21.

However he pleaded guilty to a further allegation of causing damage to a door belonging to Able 2 Achieve when he was brought before Somerset Magistrates in custody after being arrested by the police.

The court at Yeovil was told that Gosling claimed he had not hit or spat at Mr Saville and did not block them in his address, although he did accept causing damage to the lounge door.

Defending solicitor Chris Baddoo said that his client had other offences that were in court next week for various trial dates to be fixed by a district judge.

The magistrates agreed to adjourn these latest offences until May 29 where they will be dealt with alongside the other matters at a hearing at Taunton Magistrates Court.

Until then the Bench decided to release him on unconditional bail after refusing an application from the prosecution for him to be remanded in custody.