Wayne Allan grabbed Pc Alan Dormand as he was trying to arrest a man at a party in East Garth in Newcastle's Newbiggin Hall.

The drunken 25-year-old, shouting and swearing, threatened the officer and held him in a headlock while other partygoers assaulted him, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

And Allan only released his grip when other officers arrived and used CS gas to restrain him, the court was told.

Pc Dormand was given oxygen at the scene and suffered a black eye and bruising to his head and body.

Allan, of Castle Close, Morpeth, was arrested and admitted assaulting a police officer when he appeared in court.

Mr Carl Gumsley, defending, said Allan was a carer, paid to look after a man with Down's syndrome.

He said Allan knew his behaviour was disgraceful and added "it was a spur of the moment assault by a drunken idiot".

Judge John Evans gave Allan a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He must also complete a two-year supervision order.

Judge Evans also ordered Allan to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay £500 in compensation to the injured officer.