A MAN who spat at and assaulted eight police officers as they tried to restrain him will not be sent to jail.

Joseph Hollis, of St Ambrose Court, Lower Walton, pleaded guilty to eight counts of assault on police officers on two occasions in February and April of this year.

Melanie Tomlinson, prosecuting, said: "The police were called to an address on Saturday, February 3 and when they arrived the defendant was in his boxer shorts wide eyed, shouting and swearing.

"He then spat in the direction of the officer's head and face and was arrested."

Hollis kicked the constable's legs when he tried to apply handcuffs.

Warrington Magistrates' Court heard how on a night out on April 2, Hollis was removed by security from a bar for squaring up to members of the public.

He then spat in the security guard's eyes as he left.

When police arrived, Hollis spat on their uniform and made threats to their family.

As more police attended the scene, the court heard how Hollis continued to spit at the officers and stamped on their hands as they tried to restrain him

He also kicked a female officer.

One male officer was spat at in the mouth and had to be sent for medical tests.

The court heard how Hollis laughed while he carried out the assaults.

The 25-year-old appeared in court last year for a racially aggravated assault.

Acting chief constable of Cheshire Police, Janette McCormick, provided a statement to the court about the effects of violence on police officers.

In 2017 there were 663 assaults on staff which averaged at 55 per month.

Gary Heaven, defending, said: "When Hollis was being interviewed, he was described as a quiet and kind young man. He does not know why he spat and found it disgusting, he apologised for his actions but this does not excuse his behaviour."

The court was told Hollis has 'an addictive personality' and has 'problems with gambling'.

He relies heavily on cannabis and had consumed 'an awful amount' of alcohol.

Beverley Foulkes, chairman of the bench, said: "It does not look like you care about your behaviour as you continually spat at these people.

"The people were doing their jobs, they did not deserve what happened to them."

Hollis was handed a 16-week sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 to each of the eight victims.