A MAN who bit a Cheshire Police officer after being thrown out of a town centre bar has been placed under house arrest.

Wayne Hughes, aged 32, of Lysander Drive, sank his teeth into the hand of Sgt Cookson at the police custody suite in Runcorn.

Halton Magistrates Court heard on Thursday how Hughes was struggling with officers after being arrested on Bridge Street.

Alison Warburton, prosecuting, said the defendant became abusive to police instantly during the incident on November 17.

After attempting to fight door staff, he was placed into a police van and started to shout aggressively.

On arriving at the police station he was agitated, the court heard.

Mrs Warburton said: “Two members of staf approached the defendant and he lunged at them.

“He was struggling violently.

“He was being restrained in an approved manner.

“The defendant said ‘come on, is that all you’ve got’.”

Police attempted to take Hughes to a cell but he continued to struggle, the court heard.

Sgt Cookson, helping the other officers, was then bitten by the defendant, wounding his index finger and thumb.

During a subsequent police interview, Hughes denied the bite.

When Mrs Warburton told the court the officer had requested compensation, Hughes laughed and muttered ‘that’s not happening’.

The defendant pleaded guilty to assaulting a police constable and being drunk and disorderly.

He has 19 previous convictions for offences including assault, racially aggravated matters and possession of drugs.

Leanne Evans, aged 28, of Cherry Sutton, Widnes, also pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly.

Hughes’ friend, she also shouted abusively at police when he was arrested.

Gary Schooler, defending Hughes, said he has ‘ongoing mental health issues’.

Mr Scooler said: “He says he stopped taking medication prior to this incident because of significant side effects.

“The fact he was not on medication is relevant to his conduct that evening.

“He felt police were being excessive - he couldn’t breathe.”

Mr Schooler added Hughes suffered brain injuries during an accident and is now financed by a trust fund.

Evans, representing herself, said: “I’d had too much to drink.

“I don’t usually drink because when I do, I turn violent.”

When the court heard Hughes did not have ‘any intention’ of returning to Bridge Street, she laughed.

Magistrates sentenced Hughes to an eight week curfew from 7am to 7pm.

He will also pay £50 in compensation, a £100 fine, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Evans was fined £50, told to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

It will be deducted from her benefits.