A MAN who pretended to have a fit in a police van after biting an officer on the leg has pleaded guilty to assault.

Daniel Thompson had drank at a Christmas party before returning to his home in Arkless Grove, Consett, to find he had been locked out of the house by his wife.

Police officers attended the property at around 1.15am on December 17, 2017, and Thompson resisted arrest, resulting in a “scuffle”.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that the 36-year-old bit of one the officer's on the leg and broke the skin.

Thompson, who has no previous convictions, was eventually handcuffed and put into a police van where he appeared to have a fit.

However, paramedics were called and confirmed it had been an imitation seizure.

Andrew Teate, mitigating, stated that Thompson had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and added: “He’s never been in trouble."

Thompson was fined £270 and ordered to pay £200 compensation to the PC he bit and £100 to the other officer.