A PROJECT engineer who urinated in a children's play area and slapped a security guard at Butlin's in Minehead claimed he was 'sleepwalking'.

Taunton Magistrates Court heard how Curt Jackson, 32, of Derwent Drive in Rochdale, York, was staying at the holiday park with his family on May 4.

Jackson was handed a six-month conditional discharge by magistrates and was ordered to pay £591 in compensation and costs after admitting assault by beating.

At quarter to midnight, two security guards found Jackson slumped in a chair in the bar, and the pair removed him.

CPS senior Crown prosecutor, Christine Hart, told the court how Jackson became irate and began pacing up and down.

"He was clearly drunk and was swearing and ran off," said Miss Hart.

"The security guards found him urinating in a children's playground and told him to go back to his accommodation.

"Jackson shouted obscenities in response."

The court heard how Mr Palmer, a security guard, held out his arm and sat Jackson down.

Jackson tried to shake the other guard, Mr Fluke's, hand.

Miss Hart said: "Mr Flukes refused as he said he had seen him urinating, and Jackson slapped him around the face.

"He then tried to swing and had to be restrained.

"The police were called and when they interviewed him, Jackson said he had partial memory loss from drinking and falling asleep.

"He said he had been sleepwalking.

"He was told to leave the premises and as a result had to spend the rest of his holiday in a hotel in Bridgwater, whilst his family, including his young child, stayed at Butlin's."

Mr Fluke had no injuries as a result of the incident.

Representing Jackson, solicitor Heidi Waddon, told the court how Jackson has not been in trouble since 2010, of which was also an alcohol related offence.

Waddon said: "Jackson is thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour and has genuine remorse.

"He was on holiday with his family and children and has brought shame on them.

"He believes he was sleepwalking and his behaviour is totally out of character.

"Jackson lost his father the month before and hadn't had much sleep as he has a young baby.

Addressing the court himself, Jackson said: "I would like to apologise, I feel so ashamed."

Jackson was ordered to pay a total of £591 in fines, at £50 per month.

Sentencing District Magistrate's Judge Taylor said: "You assaulted a man simply doing his job at a family venue.

"I do hope this is not a return to your previous bad behaviour."