A North East man has been handed an eight-year sentence after assaulting two police officers and commanding his dog to viciously attack them.

Sean Bell, 37, of Banbury Road, Kenton, was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday (April 4) after he caused significant injuries to two police officers in Blyth last January.

The 37-year-old ordered his dog to "get them" after two officers attended an address following up on the report of a domestic incident.

Bell rained down punches on an officer who attempted to handcuff him, while encouraging his dog to attack both.

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This resulted in a male officer being bitten numerous times, and a female officer suffering puncture wounds on her leg and lasting nerve damage, for which she would be prescribed morphine.

Northern Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, said: “The officers, staff and volunteers who proudly pull on their Northumbria Police uniform every day, do so because they want to keep people safe and protect our communities.

“Each and every day we are faced with potentially dangerous situations but we don’t come to work to be assaulted – and it can’t ever simply become just a part of the job.

“Sean Bell’s behaviour was completely unacceptable. As a Force filled with animal lovers, it is also distressing to see a dog used in such a way to attack our officers.

“It is important that anyone responsible for such behaviour is brought to justice, and I hope this case sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated."

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She also praised the actions of the officers involved and condemned Bell's actions as completely unacceptable.

“I would also like to commend the bravery of the officers involved who have both swiftly returned to work, continuing their commitment to serve our communities,” she added

“It is important that any person who directs such behaviour at emergency service responders is brought to justice, and I welcome this sentence as it sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.

“I’d like to commend the bravery of the officers involved who have both swiftly returned to work, continuing their commitment to respond to the public and protect the vulnerable.”

After back-up had arrived on the scene, Bell, who could be heard screaming abuse at the officers, was placed under arrest, while the dog was detained with the help of members of the force’s dog unit.

Meanwhile, Bell was transferred to Middle Engine Lane’s custody suite, where he would spit at an officer.

Both officers who sustained dog bites attended hospital and were required to have tetanus shots.

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Bell was charged with numerous offences linked to the incident within 24 hours of the incident, which he denied.

In November, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty of two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog, two counts of a section 18 assault with intent to avoid apprehension, and one count of common assault.

Bell has also been banned from keeping pets for 18 years while the dog involved in the assault was ordered to be destroyed.