A SUPPORT worker has been ordered to pay £350 after being caught with drugs in Portland Square.

Alex Gargiulo had gone to the square in St Paul's after a row with his partner and been spotted by police talking to an unknown prostitute.

At Bristol Magistrates' Court Gargiulo, 30, of Reed Close, Horfield, admitted possession of 1.7g of cannabis and 0.28g of mephedrone, also known as miaow-miaow.

He also admitted two counts of obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty after trying to flee police after he was searched.

Laura Opie, prosecuting, said Gargiulo was spotted with the prostitute by police in Portland Square at 1.30am on August 7. He was searched and the drugs were found on him.

"He then began to struggle and was held on to as he tried to crawl over the railings, injuring the officer in the process who was pulled onto the railings and suffered bruising to their abdomen.

"Another officer came to assist and received small cuts to their arms. In interview Gargiulo said he had not intended to cause any harm."

Judy Hampton, defending, said her client had been experiencing a number of difficulties with his long-term partner and had left the house after an argument. He panicked when the drugs were found and tried to flee but had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Mrs Hampton said: "He is in full-time work as a support worker and has been involved in social care work for 10 years. He was hoping to go to university with a view to going into social work but is aware there is no prospect of that now."

Magistrates fined Gargiulo £150, ordered him to pay £50 compensation to each police officer, a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs.