A FATHER who repeatedly punched a police officer in the face after he intervened in a domestic dispute was yesterday given a community rehabilitation order.

Andrew Bennett, who is living with his parents in Norwich Grove, Darlington, appeared before the town's magistrates having pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife and the officer.

At a previous hearing, the court was told the officer, who has not been named, went to the house Bennett shared with his wife, Susanne, in Maidendale Road, after screams were heard.

He saw Bennett lying on top of his wife and shouted through the window at him to stop being a bully, magistrates heard.

Bennett then became involved in a dispute with the officer and punched him repeatedly, injuring his eye, cheek and jaw.

At yesterday's hearing, James Kemp, prosecuting, said Bennett had pushed and pulled his wife, who fell to the floor.

Chris Bunting, for Bennett, said his client's wife had not wanted to press charges against her husband.

He said Bennett had to move out of the family home and into his parents' house because of bail conditions.

He said: "He is desperate to return to be with his family and he is desperately sorry for what happened."

Magistrates sentenced him to the 12-month order, during which he will take part in a domestic violence citizenship programme.

He was also told to pay £250 compensation to the officer and £20 costs.