A JUDGE has given a reforming drug user a chance to prove he is continuing to engage with support agencies.

Judge Jonathan Carroll adjourned sentencing Dean Kenyon, over a drug-fuelled attack on a police officer, for six-months to see if he maintains progress in trying to overcome his addiction.

But he warned Kenyon that the offence, itself, merits a short prison sentence and so that will remain hanging over the defendant if he fails with his drug rehabilitation.

The 32-year-old defendant was given a suspended prison sentence by Judge Carroll at Durham Crown Court in November for burglary.

But he was told to comply with the Probation Service and attend drug therapy sessions, as part of the order.

The court was told that he has engaged well, other than on April 1, when police were called to his home, in Parkside Crescent, Seaham, where Kenyon appeared intoxicated and was rowing with family members over money, at 5.30am

He took exception to the presence of police and tried to leave, but in doing so, attempted to grab an officer.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said Kenyon went out into the street shouting and took up a fighting stance.

It took four officers several minutes to detain him and apply handcuffs. One officer suffered cuts and grazes to fingers and his knee.

Kenyon admitted common assault on an emergency worker, obstructing police, and using threatening words and behaviour.

Reserving sentence to himself, Judge Carroll adjourned until November 12, but said Kenyon must remain on the rehabilitation programme imposed at the previous hearing in the meantime.