A MAN being sought by police after leaving a psychiatric unit launched an attack on an officer who found him hiding in a house bedroom, a court was told.

When the constable entered the room, at the property in Croxdale, near Durham, James Ewing was said to spat at him, before springing at him and biting his ear.

Twenty-seven-year-old Ewing, of no fixed address, was originally charged with wounding with intent.

But he admitted the slightly lesser offence of unlawfully wounding the officer, at a pre-trial review at Durham Crown Court.

The case was adjourned for a sentencing hearing next month, when psychiatric and probation reports will be presented to the court.

Judge Sarah Mallett remanded Ewing in custody until sentence, on July 19.