A CURFEW slapped on a County Durham man who assaulted police officers has been removed.

Lee Adams, of Ford Terrace, Chilton, was initially handed the order, which banned him from leaving the house between 8am and 8pm, earlier this year.

The 42-year-old was originally sentenced on Wednesday, January 4, at Peterlee Magistrates' Court for two counts of assaulting a police officer and one charge of possession of a controlled drug.

At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday, Michael Clarke, on behalf of Adams, made an application to amend the order's requirements on the grounds that he would be able to take up employment.

Mr Clarke told Judge Martin Walker Adams had been offered the opportunity of laying gas mains in the south of England and could not carry it out while subject to a curfew.

Judge Walker revoked the order "in the interest of justice".