A 40-YEAR-OLD man headbutted a police officer following a row with his wife, a court heard.

Graeme Sykes, who called police to his house in Brinkburn Road, Darlington, was given a 12-month supervision order.

He was also ordered to pay the police officer £150 compensation after he admitted the assault.

The incident happened shortly after 11pm on November 25. The court heard he had worked a 12-hour shift earlier in the day and had drunk seven cans of beer at home.

After an argument with his wife, she threatened to ring the police.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating, said: "In essence what he did was stupid really. He picked up the phone and said he would ring them. Then he rang the police himself."

Jenny Haigh, prosecuting, said when the police arrived and knocked on the door, Sykes swore at them.

"He said 'It has got nothing to do with you'. I will kick your heads in'."

He then knocked his wife over while trying to shut the door of the house.

Minutes later, it was alleged he headbutted the officer, resulting in a bruise behind his left ear.

Miss Saunders-Jerrom added: "He pleaded guilty on the basis that he did end up headbutting the officer and he accepts the injuries.

"He has always stated he was pushing his wife out of the way and their heads connected."

Brian Avery, chairman of the bench, said: "We cannot allow this type of attitude to go on towards the police who are there trying to keep the peace and do a good job."

Sykes was also ordered to pay £34 costs.