A vile thug who spat at the face of a police officer when he was being arrested for causing a disturbance has been locked up.

Dean Nixon was wrestled to the floor before having a spit-hood fitted after the officer was left with spit running down the side of his face.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 42-year-old was serving a suspended sentence for assaulting his ex-partner when the disgusting attack took place on June 6.

Jon Harley, prosecuting, said: “The officer heard the sound of spitting coming from Nixon – some went in his eye and some ran down the side of his face into the corner of his mouth.”

The court heard how Nixon was also in breach of a restraining order after getting a friend to pass a note to his ex-partner despite his conviction for assaulting her.

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Mr Harley said Nixon was also arrested on Christmas Day last year and was found in possession of drugs.

Nixon, of Laycock Street, Middlesbrough, was found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker when he failed to turn up for an appearance at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how Nixon had 69 previous convictions including for violence and drug offences.

The defendant pleaded guilty to breaching his restraining order and possession of drugs.

John Nixon, in mitigation, said his client had turned to drink and drugs after losing his job and things good out of hand.

Recorder Mark McKone KC activated part of Nixon’s nine-month suspended sentence and locked him up for a total of 11 months for all offences.

He added: “You spat at the officer, some went into his eye and mouth; that is not only very unpleasant but something that a police officer would worry about from a health point of view.”

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