A PAINTER and decorator who attacked two council enforcement officers admitted he was a “Jekyll and Hyde” character.

Drunken Owen Thomas Suckling charged at the two female wardens in Darlington town centre before punching and kicking the car they took refuge in, a court heard.

They were left badly shaken and tearful following the June 16 incident.

Earlier, the 32-year-old was himself assaulted and had reported it to police before becoming aggressive, said Alan Davison, prosecuting.

He said one of his victims saw him emerge from the Boot & Shoe pub with a head injury and cross the Market Place into Horsemarket.

After overhearing Suckling, of Landsdowne Street, Darlington, being abusive to police, the enforcement officers alerted Darlington Borough Council and asked for the father-of-one to be monitored on CCTV.

They then made their way back to their council car but were followed by Suckling who then attacked the vehicle causing more than £400 damage.

In statements, both victims said they were left shaken, tearful and unable to sleep.

Suckling admitted using threatening and abusive words and behaviour and criminal damage. He also admitted possessing a class B and class A drug, charges relating to small quantities of cocaine and cannabis.

The court heard how Suckling's record was “littered” with violence-related offences.

He was described as a person with a good work ethic and who took his parental responsibilities seriously but who also had issues with alcohol and smoked “one joint a night”.

The court heard he was unable to remember the attack but was remorseful.

Suckling told District Judge Martin Walker, sitting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, he wanted help with his alcohol problem.

“It’s a major problem in my life that’s why I have totally eradicated it from that day,” he said. “I don’t ever want to drink again. I turn into a totally different person – a Jekyll and Hyde.”

The judge warned him he would “lose everything” if he did not change.

He also asked if the victims may want to confront Suckling as part of the new Restorative Justice scheme.

“The figures suggest Restorative Justice is vital and it may bring it home to you how you have affected ordinary people carrying out a job,” he added.

Suckling was given a 12-month community order with ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He awarded £150 in compensation to each of the victims but refused to grant the council compensation for the damaged car. He also ordered the cocaine and cannabis destroyed.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said “Our civil enforcement officers do a difficult job and they deserve to be treated with respect.”