A DEFENDANT was jailed for contempt of court yesterday after launching an attack on his co-accused before spitting into the public gallery at Newcastle Crown Court.

Anthony Uche, 30, admitted his part in a credit card scam before hearing he would not be sentenced until after the trial of his co-defendants.

Uche tried to attack one of three women who appeared in the dock with him, before spitting and struggling with court guards.

His barrister, Stanley Anderson, apologised on his behalf and told Judge Michael Cartlidge he had been hoping to be sentenced at the hearing.

Uche admitted five charges of obtaining by deception, two of attempting to obtain by deception, one theft and one of handling stolen goods.

He was part of a gang which stole till rolls from Asda in Boldon and used the credit card numbers to order goods.

Judge Cartlidge told him: "I accept you are bitterly disappointed and are sorry for what happened, but you have bought yourself extra time."

Uche, of Gainsborough Grove, Fenham, Newcastle, was jailed for a month for contempt. He will be sentenced for the other charges at the conclusion of the trial, later this year.