A FATHER has apologised to a police officer for threatening to "bite his nose off".

Michael Thompson, of Ash Crescent, Seaham, struggled after officers arrived to arrest him on suspicion of assault at 9.30pm on August 19.

Neighbours believed the 36-year-old he was attacking a relative, however Thompson had been helping the family member in the street.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that Thompson, who works as a joiner, threatened to bite one of the arresting officers and asked if they had ever been raped before.

He also headbutted a police car repeatedly while he was handcuffed, denting the driver's-side door.

He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and resisting a PC in their duty and was fined £200 and given a 12-month conditional discharge.