A VIOLENT drunk has been jailed after he damaged a car and then attacked the owner.

Aaron John Swales, 20, also assaulted a police officer trying to arrest him, but he could not remember anything about the incidents in Thornaby because he was too drunk.

Swales was arguing in the street with his girlfriend on July 5 last year when he lashed out with his foot and destroyed the wing mirror of a Renault Scenic car causing £250 damage, said prosecutor Matthew Bean.

The owner, William Payne, heard the bang from his home in Roseberry View, Thornaby, and went outside to challenge Swales.

Swales, who was drunk, threw two or three punches at him but missed, and Mr Payne followed him into Cheltenham Avenue. He again swung punches at Mr Payne, who grabbed his legs and pulled him to the ground getting on top of him.

Swales bit him twice on the upper left thigh and upper left arm before punching him in the face, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Mr Payne held him until the police arrived, and while two officers were trying to handcuff Swales he spat at one and struck another on the left shoulder.

Peter Wishlade, defending, said that Payne had not had another drink since his birthday last month and he was back working as a bricklayer's labourer for his father.

He added: "His behaviour was utterly reprehensible ,and I accept that and so does he."

Judge Bryan Forster QC told Swales: "Unprovoked attacks on members of the public and particularly attacks of this nature cannot be overlooked by the court."

Swales of Avon Close, Thornaby, was sent to a young offender's institution for eight months after he pleaded guilty to criminal damage, actual bodily harm assault and assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty.