A DRUNKEN man attacked a police officer by the side of the road, leaving him with cuts and bruises, a court heard.

Graham Levy, 45, of Broom Dykes Lodge, Heighington, attacked the officer after his car was pulled over.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard that Levy grappled with PC Cruishank on Heighington Lane, Darlington, when he tried to resist giving a breath test.

The officer, who said it was the most prolonged attack he had experienced in 18 years of service, sustained cuts to his hands, and his chest and head were left feeling tender.

Levy pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, and driving with excess alcohol.

Magistrates, who took into account he had since been diagnosed with clinical depression, sentenced him to a year-long community rehabil- itation order and a three-year driving ban.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to PC Cruishank and £150 costs.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said another motorist had reported Levy's driving to the policeman on July 18 last year.

He said: "Mr Levy was asked if he had any alcohol. He replied: 'You know the score so let's get on with it'.

"The officer tried to test him, but Mr Levy said 'You can't touch me', and swung at the officer's chest."

Levy struck PC Cruishank again, causing his radio to fall into undergrowth. He then resisted attempts to handcuff him, and the two grappled by the roadside.

A passing motorist was so alarmed he tried to phone for more police to attend.

"The officer was shocked by the defendant's strength," said Mr Maddison.

"He said he did not feel in control of the situation."

PC Cruishank was forced to use his baton, before other police officers arrived to intervene, and managed to restrain Levy.

Kevin Ross, in mitigation, said Levy realised his conduct was inexcusable, but had sought professional help even before the attack.

"He had quite enormous emotional pressures on him at the time, and was dealing with it by drinking, which was no answer to the problem," he said, but added that Levy was now trying to deal with his difficulties.

"It is rare in this court to find someone who actually does what they say they are going to do about addressing the issues."