A MAN who bit an off-duty police officer after he was disturbed during a burglary has been jailed for more than three years.

Gary Wayne Drummond, 38, grappled with police sergeant Stuart Porritt and bit him twice in a bid to escape.

Sean Dodds, prosecuting, said Mr Porritt was at home, in Darlington, on the evening of November 5.

He was with his young son watching a football match on television when he heard a noise at the front door.

He went to investigate and was confronted in the corridor by drug addict Drummond, who was wearing a top with the hood pulled over his head.

Drummond tried to run off, but Mr Porritt took hold of him and as the pair struggled, the scuffle spilled into the street.

Mr Dodds said Mr Porritt had hold of Drummond's clothes at which point he was bitten "full square" on the chin.

He managed to deliver a blow to Drummond's face, but was hit over the head with a £250 digital camera stolen from his kitchen.

Drummond then bit Mr Porritt again on the left thumb. By this time, neighbours had arrived and helped detain the defendant, who was arrested.

Drummond pleaded guilty to burglary and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, along with the separate theft of £300 worth of alloy wheels.

He had been on bail for the theft offence when he committed the burglary and assault. Drummond, of Jura Drive, Darlington, said he had simply gone for a walk "looking for bonfires" when he was jumped on by a man, who punched him.

But prints from his trainers were found in the kitchen of Mr Porritt's home.

Vicky Lamballe, for Drummond, said her client had not gone out to burgle that evening, but had seen an opportunity when he walked past Mr Porritt's house and found a door slightly ajar.

She said: "He expresses a great deal of remorse in relation to his actions. He panicked and wanted to get out of the property."

Drummond, who has written a letter of apology to Mr Porritt, was jailed for three years and three months by Judge Tony Briggs.

The judge said he had an appalling criminal record, with convictions dating back to 1981, and had used "nasty and unpleasant" violence.