A JUDGE has warned a homeless Torquay man that either a prison cell or the Grim Reaper awaits him unless he quits drinking.

Alcoholic Michael Poblocki, 58, was told by Judge Barry Cotter QC his fate depended on whether he would admit he had a drink problem and deal with it.

The father-of-two had previously admitting one count of affray and one of using threatening language to police officers in Torquay.

He appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentencing after doctors concluded his psychotic tendencies were caused by excessive alcohol rather than mental problems.

The court was told that on April 23, Poblocki was spotted drinking vodka from a bottle while waiting for a bus in the Strand area of Torquay.

A witness saw him put the bottle down before he tried to board the bus.

When he was refused entry Poblocki became abusive, picked the bottle up and smashed it on the door of the bus.

The bottle shattered and the door was damaged.

The court was told Poblocki was chased, caught and handcuffed by police.

He told the officers: "I'm going to break both your necks. Take me back to prison."

Mitigating solicitor Niall Brooks said Poblocki had been an alcoholic since at least 1991.

He was estranged from his wife and two children and had been homeless for some time.

Mr Brooks said his recent offending seemed to have been triggered by the death of his parents.

The court was told Poblocki had spent 130 days in custody after Mr Brooks requested psychiatric reports.

Poblocki told doctors he did not think he had a problem and intended to drink when he got out.

Mr Brooks said a period of abstinence in prison had since 'simmered him down' and made him view his situation differently.

Judge Cotter replied: "Drying out rather than simmered down is more appropriate."

The judge told Poblocki he had to choose between giving up drink and re-offending.

"Either it is the Grim Reaper or the court service that faces you.

"You can either drink yourself to death or commit a crime like this and it's going to be a long custodial sentence."

Poblocki was given 260 days in prison. He walked free from court due to the time he had already spent in custody.