A MAN who bit a police officer after he was arrested following a domestic incident has been jailed for a year.

Robert Robinson bit a Northumbria force officer on the left forearm, leaving a scar, as he was being driven away in a van. Robinson, who was handcuffed, lunged at the officer who put his arm up to block him, Durham Crown Court was told.

Other officers came to their colleague's aid and subdued Robinson, said Ian Graham, prosecuting.

The incident happened after police were called to a house in Brewer Terrace, Ryhope, Sunderland, when Robinson's wife complained he had punched her.

Mr Graham said Robinson said he had been set on by the police officers.

Robin Patton, mitigating, said Robinson had been drinking in a pub with his wife, from whom he was estranged, and they had an argument later. He said Robinson suffered injuries when he was arrested.

"It is difficult to see how he would have suffered the injuries to his finger, hand and chest through normal lawful means of arrest," he said.

Robinson, 34, of St Thomas Street, Ryhope, admitted assaulting a police officer.

Judge Denis Orde said: "It is quite wrong that police officers who are only doing their duty should be subjected to violence.