A THUG who lashed out and spat at officers when he was being arrested has been jailed for eight months.

Kieron Dowson kicked and hit the officers when they attended his partner's address following concerns about a domestic incident.

Teesside Crown Court heard how he looked like he was high on drugs when he came downstairs armed with a metal object in his hand.

Sam Faulks, prosecuting, said Dowson was immediately aggressive and had a 'crazed look in hie eyes' – clear he was under the influence of drink or drugs.

Dowson had an improvised knuckleduster in his hands when he confronted the PC and special constable.

Mr Faulks said the defendant was pepper sprayed and when he fell to the floor he started lashing out and bit one of the officers in the arm.

"Not content with this level of aggression the defendant then proceeded to spit at both officers on numerous occasions and was ultimately placed in a shit-hood and required leg restraints," he added.

Dowson, of Tweddle Crescent, Blackhall Rocks, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting an emergency worker following the attacks on May 5.

Michael Cahill, in mitigation, said: "He is ashamed of his actions, he knows what must come to him when one behaves in this way towards police officers.

"It's a shame for him as he had the prospect of employment and contact with his daughter but he knows full well that in acting in this way he is to lose his liberty."

Judge Paul Watson QC sentenced Dowson to eight months in custody.

"You really do have a quite dreadful record, including offences of violence, public order and assaulting police officers, you were given three years and nine months for wounding with intent," he said.

"There really is no excuse for what you did, you were clearly intoxicated and aggressive towards them."

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