A WEST Somerset man admitted to assaulting three police officers and a fourth person when he appeared before magistrates in Taunton on Monday (April 20).

Karl Cooper, aged 29, of Townsend Court, Townsend, Williton, faced four assault charges as well as one count of theft, and another of criminal damage, all arising from an incident which was said to have occurred in Minehead last autumn.

The cases were adjourned for Cooper to appear again in Taunton Deane Magistrates Court for sentencing on Friday, June 19.

Cooper pleaded guilty to attacking PC Kate Hanmer, PS William Clark, and Special Constable Ian Le Sueur while they were executing their duties, and to a further assault on Brian Hetherington.

He also admitted stealing £25 of groceries from Poundland, in Minehead, and to damaging a glass door panel in the store.

Prosecuting solicitor Emma Lenanton told the court all of the offences happened on October 10 last year.

Separately, Cooper denied failing without reasonable excuse to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Taunton Deane Magistrates Court on May 19 last year by not attending probation service appointments in January and February of this year.

The charge was also set back for his appearance again in June.

A woman sharing the same address as Cooper also appeared before the magistrates on Monday charged in connection with the Minehead incident.

Jessica Payne, aged 33, pleaded guilty to assaulting Gavin Hetherington on the same day, October 10, 2025.

Her case was also adjourned for magistrates to impose a sentence on June 19.

A further charge against Payne of handling stolen goods was withdrawn.

She had been accused of dishonestly receiving £25 of goods knowing them to have been stolen from the Poundland store in Minehead, but the case was not proceeded with.