A drug-fuelled yob spat blood in the face of one officer and kicked another during two separate attacks.
Thomas Goldsborough assaulted the first constable after he was arrested for shop theft and driving while disqualified at a petrol station near Newcastle International Airport. A court heard that the 44-year-old, who was high on cocaine, was taken to hospital after being detained, where he kicked the officer in the leg.
But, rather than learn his lesson, Goldsborough lashed out again while being arrested three months later, this time spitting in the constable's face. Prosecutors said that the spit contained blood.
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The vile crook, who has 104 offences on his lengthy record, initially appeared in court to plead guilty to driving while disqualified, shop theft, driving without insurance, assaulting an emergency worker and two counts of drug driving in relation to the first incident. However, he denied one count of assaulting emergency worker in relation to the spitting, instead claiming it was an accident.
The case was listed for trial last month but Goldsborough, of Cedar Road, in Fenham, failed to show and he was convicted in his absence.
Goldsborough finally faced the music on Wednesday when he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court and avoided an immediate stint behind bars "by the skin of his teeth". Giving him a 34-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, Deputy District Judge Andrew Teate said: "While released under investigation for the first matters you went on to commit another offence against another officer.
"He had the misfortune of being called to assist you following reports you had been assaulted. You were arrested for outstanding matters and you spat at him, which included blood. I can't think of a more disgusting thing to do to an individual or for someone to experience, especially working in the line of duty.
"You initially said you accidentally spat on the officer - you know that's complete nonsense. You failed to attend your trial and the officer had to relive being spat on by you when he gave evidence. That would have been most unpleasant for him."
The court heard that police were called to the BP garage at Newcastle International Airport at around 7.30am on August 9 last year after reports from a staff member that banned driver Goldsborough had filled up his car and stolen a number of confectionary items.
Niamh Reading, prosecuting, continued: "While speaking to the defendant, it was clear he was intoxicated. At this stage, due to information received, the officers arrested him. They located a number of items from the kiosk in the defendant's clothing. He was taken to custody but later taken to the RVI due to advice from the custody nurse.
"At 10am the same morning, an officer was waiting at the RVI for the defendant to be triaged. He slumped to the floor and was pulled back up onto his feet. He said "I can't walk, you c**t" and, using his left foot, he kicked the officer to the left leg, causing immediate pain."
The court was told that Goldsborough was released under investigation when, three months later on November 14, an officer was sent to an address in Newcastle following reports that a drunk Goldsborough had been assaulted. But, while being arrested for separate matters, he spat on the constable. Miss Reading added: "The spit contained blood from an injury to his mouth and it hit the officer on the forehead, face, left arm and stab vest."
Neil Connell, defending, said Goldsborough had been struggling with his mental health at the time and was abusing alcohol and cocaine in an attempt to alleviate the problem. Mr Connell added: "He has little recollection of either incidents."
Goldsborough was ordered to pay £200 compensation to the officer he spat on and £22 for the BP garage. He must also abide by a curfew between 6pm and 9am for three months.
