A MAN who bit, kicked and scratched four police officers when they were arresting him has been jailed.

Robert Wilkinson, of Ashton Street, Peterlee, was arrested on July 6 for breaching his bail conditions by entering Shotton Colliery.

When officers attempted to secure him in a police van, Wilkinson became violent and lashed out at them.

In the ensuing scuffle, two PCs and two PCSOs were kicked, bitten and scratched, each sustaining minor injuries.

Wilkinson was subsequently charged with four counts of assaulting an emergency worker and possession of cannabis.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court this morning, the 28-year-old was jailed for 38 weeks.

Sergeant Gary Smith, of Peterlee Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Our officers come to work to protect people, not to be subject to this sort of violence.

“This is not Wilkinson’s first offence - he has continually caused misery and upset within the community and we will not tolerate it.

“Where people are causing antisocial behaviour and ruining our communities, we will take action to pursue them and bring them before the courts.”

To give information anonymously about antisocial behaviour or criminal activity in your area, call Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.