A DRUNKEN teenager who pulled a knife on an off duty police officer has been jailed for eight months.

The 17-year-old threatened Sergeant Tim Robson with the lock knife as he cycled home from Chester-le-Street police station.

Sgt Robson, with Durham Police's licensing unit, spotted three youngsters drinking cans of lager and one began to mock his cycling gear and shouted abuse.

He was then threatened with the knife after stopping to talk to him.

The teenager admitted affray when he appeared before Consett Youth Court and pleaded guilty to an unrelated charge of assaulting a woman while drunk on April 1.

Fiona Lees, prosecuting, said: "He had the knife firmly in his right hand and made a stabbing motion in the direction of the officer.

"He moved the knife in a downward strike and the officer had to move back."

The court heard Sgt Robson called for back up on his mobile phone and tailed the group at a safe distance on the evening of August 18.

He then identified the offender and he was arrested.

Suzanne Hanson, mitigating, said: "Both offences were committed while he was under the influence of alcohol and on impulse.

"When he is sober he a polite and pleasant young man.

"He deeply regrets the offences."

The defendant, from Chester-le-Street, asked for permission to address the bench of magistrates, which was chaired by Colin Clark.

He said: "I wish I had never done it.

"When I eventually get out I will never do anything again. I am sorry."

Speaking afterwards, Sgt Robson said: "I am pleased to see that he has admitted the offence and has been dealt with effectively in court.

"It sends out a positive message that violence and the carrying of knives will not be tolerated.

"People should feel safe on the streets and I would like to reassure them that people who think they can go around intimidating others will be taken out of the public arena like this young man has.

"Let's hope he learns his lesson."