A ONCE notorious young offender who is trying to, “put his life on track” was spared jail despite going “berserk” outside a nightclub.

Dean English was angry at being asked to leave Vibe, in Peterlee,with another man, having been struck in the face in a confrontation in the early hours of September 17.

Durham Crown Court heard that he was trying to make contact with a family member inside the premises, on Bede Way, but door staff refused him access.

Angus Taylor, prosecuting, said English took out a small pair of scissors, attached to a set of keys, and repeatedly jabbed the blades towards the door supervisors.

Mr Taylor said the stand-off went on for more than half-an-hour, during which clientele were asked not to leave by the main door.

When eventually arrested, English struggled inside a police car, spitting blood and saliva, as well as kicking the female driver in the arm as she tried to manoeuvre the vehicle from the scene.

Mr Taylor said the police car was rendered out of service for several days to enable it to be deep cleaned.

English claimed he had not behaved in a threatening manner, but, appearing at a plea hearing in the case, the 36-year-old defendant, of Ninth Street, Horden, admitted possessing a bladed article in public, damaging property, assaulting a constable in the execution of her duty and threatening behaviour.

The court heard despite 36 convictions for 98 offences, none are of a similar nature in recent years.

A probation report read to the court outlined that English has achieved brick-laying and plastering qualifications and is trying to build up a window cleaning round.

Judge Simon Hickey said English appeared to have “gone berserk” outside the club, but as he, “seems to be trying to put his life on track”, he could suspend the ten-month prison sentence for a year, during which he must undergo 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay £250 compensation.