Drunk man bit police officer’s finger

3:24pm Thursday 14th February 2008

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SPARKS flew when an electrician got drunk and attacked two police officers.

Burnley Magistrates' Court heard how Kelly Haythornthwaite, 36, put his fingers in one victim's mouth and pulled his cheek from inside like a fish hook.

He then sank his teeth into the finger of a policewoman who was trying to handcuff him.

Haythornthwaite, who could have been facing immediate jail, was given a suspended sentence instead.

The defendant, of Hartley Street, Earby, admitted two charges of police assault on January 1.

District Judge Peter Ward told him police shouldn't have to deal with violent people but if they were bitten that was the worst kind of assault. He said: "They never know if the person is carrying some kind of infection that will affect them."

The defendant received 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, with a 70 day curfew, between 8pm and 6am.

Haythornthwaite must pay £300 compensation and £60 costs.

Barbara Webster, prosecuting, told the court the incident happened when police went to the George and Dragon pub on Gisburn Road, Barrowford, in the early hours.

John Nuttall, defending, said Haythornthwaite knew he had put himself in a serious position.

The solicitor said: "It was a few minutes of absolute madness borne out of drink. He has not been in trouble for five or six years or so. He offers full apologies to the court and in particular to the police officers."