A shoplifter attacked two police officers after being caught with stolen watches in his bag.
Alan Meenan's headbutt left one man dizzy and his kick knocked the other backwards, city magistrates heard.
The incident happened on Good Friday after he twice went into the Top Man store, said Sarah Sanderson, prosecuting.
He was caught on CCTV walking out with four watches and not paying. Two were left on the shelves because they had security tags attached.
But the 33-year-old returned and took the remaining pair of watches, Miss Sanderson told the court.
Police circulated a description of Meenan and "a distinctive bag" he was carrying. He was spotted by a police community support officer on Bridlesmith Gate.
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Miss Sanderson said: "He spoke to the defendant about stolen watches. The PCSO asked to look inside the bag and sees two watches in boxes.
"At this point, the defendant headbutted the PCSO and knocked him backwards, leaving him feeling dizzy."
Blood was spattered over the pavement and the attack was witnessed by a police officer who was on plain clothes duty.
"The officer said the headbutt was delivered with great force.
"The defendant was being escorted when he kicked the officer in the chest. It was sore six hours later although there was no visible injury," added Miss Sanderson. The PCSO was taken to hospital and given painkillers.
Nichola Thorpe, mitigating, said that Meenan was awaiting the payment of state benefits and stole the watches to raise cash.
"He can't remember a lot of what happened with the police officers. When the officer started looking into the bag, he started panicking.
"When the officer looked in, he may have acted in such a way and is very remorseful. He kicked the second officer and he doesn't recall it either.
"He is extremely remorseful and offers his apologies. He is grateful the injuries are not long lasting," added Miss Thorpe.
Meenan pleaded guilty to stealing six watches worth £194; assaulting a police officer and a PCSO. He is due to be sentenced on April 29.
Bail was granted to Meenan on condition that he lives with his mother in Godfrey Drive, Kirk Hallam, near Ilkeston.
Miss Thorpe said that Meenan's mother is ill and he had been "drinking and taking drugs as a coping mechanism."
When told he would be freed on bail, Meenan told the three magistrates: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
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