A TEENAGER armed with a 7in knife who attacked a special police constable was facing a lengthy prison sentence yesterday.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, told 17-year-old Mark Davies that he had been dealt with too leniently in the past for his violent behaviour and that he had to be taught a lesson.

Teesside Crown Court had heard that police were called to Davies' home after he grabbed his mother by the throat.

Davies was drunk on seven pints of lager and vodkas when his mother dialled 999.

He swore at two special constables who arrived to calm him down before he threw a television set at Special Constable David Nicholson.

Peter Johnson, prosecuting, said the officers radioed for help and the teenager picked up a knife.

The officers extended their batons and Special Constable Nicholson sprayed CS gas at Davies.

Mr Johnson told the court: "He lunged towards Special Constable Nicholson with the knife aimed towards his face.

"He was swiped with the baton which, unfortunately, hit his girlfriend, and the defendant shouted about them hitting her and he lunged again towards Special Constable Nicholson at the chest, and he had to twist around to avoid being stabbed.

Special Constable Nicholson suffered a small graze to one of his legs.

Asked if he was drunk, Davies said he knew what he was doing.

Davies, of Appleton Road, Stockton, was remanded in custody for pre-sentence reports after he was found guilty of attempted unlawful wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on March 10.

He pleaded guilty to causing an affray.