A MAN who twice headbutted a police officer has been given a four-month jail term - a month after being sent down for a year.

Burnley magistrates heard how Mark Stephen Wilkinson, 25, who had taken almost 30 sleeping tablets, caused the victim to fall backwards in great pain. After the officer "got his thoughts together," the defendant then struck again, this time hitting him on the lip.

The officer was left suffering concussion and had to go to hospital for treatment to cuts and bruises, reddening and tenderness to his chin and temple.

Afterwards, he had loss of concentration, dizziness, headaches and felt sick.

Wilkinson, who has nine previous convictions, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, handling stolen goods, theft and failing to surrender and was jailed yesterday for four months, to run concurrently with a previous term for burglary.

The defendant, of Westgate, Burnley, was earlier sent to prison for 12 months at Burnley Crown Court after being convicted of burglary on July 11.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said police had been called to Padiham market and the defendant approached them.

He was under the influence of something, began to get agitated and failed to co-operate when officers decided to search him.

When taken to the police station the victim was suddenly headbutted to the left side of his face while he tried to handcuff Wilkinson .

He was knocked backwards and dazed and two of his colleagues stepped in to help. The defendant then butted the officer again.

Mark Williams, defending, said Wilkinson had lost his job and fallen out with his mother after developing a drink problem. He moved in with friends, started taking drugs and then became an addict.

His life had become a complete mess, leading up to the sentence for burglary. After four weeks in custody, he was rid of drugs and could now realise the state he had got himself in.