TWO police officers were injured when a teenage prisoner flew into a rage in the back of a police car, causing the driver to veer off the road and smash into a lamppost, a court heard yesterday.

PC Richard Elliot lost control of the wheel of the panda car when George Harris repeatedly kicked the back of his seat.

The car hit a lamppost, leaving the driver with a bruised head. Colleague PC Joanne Sopp needed stitches to a cut hand.

Harris also suffered bruising to his head.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how trouble flared after 18-year-old Harris was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, in Bamburgh Road, South Shields, in October last year.

Prosecuting, Fiona McRae said: "He continued to be abusive in the back of the police car. He kept shouting the officer's number and saying 'I will get you when you are out and about'.

"He started kicking the back of the seat and PC Elliot lost control of the car."

Harris, of Thornholme Avenue, South Shields was jailed for three months after pleading guilty to public order offences.

Defending, Sean Routledge said fast-food assistant Harris deeply regretted his behaviour.