A former police officer flew into a rage and tried to bite and punch a constable after he was asked to leave a nightclub.
Drunk Daniel Whyment was on a stag do in Newcastle city centre when he was told by security to get out of Popworld. But the 41-year-old took exception to the request and quickly turned violent, swinging a punch at one of the door staff, a court heard.
Whyment's behaviour was witnessed by a police officer, who tried to help and intervene. However, Whyment also tried to strike the officer and, while being arrested, attempted to bite him, Newcastle Magistrates' Court was told.
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Now, Whyment, of Grove Street, in Lincolnshire, has been fined £200 after he pleaded guilty to a public order offence. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
Prosecutor, Rob Lawson, said an officer was on duty in the Bigg Market on February 4 this year when he heard door staff at Popworld asking for assistance with Whyment, who was refusing to leave the premises. Mr Lawson continued: "The officer approached the defendant and saw him swing a punch towards the door staff.
"The officer and the door staff took hold of the defendant and he threw a punch towards the officer. The officer struck him to the leg and managed to get one handcuff on him. The defendant then attempted to bite his hand but there was no contact."
The court heard that Whyment, who has no past convictions, was a former police officer himself but had left his job due to a shoulder injury. He was no employed as in the forestry industry but did still receive a police pension.
Gerry Armstrong, defending, said Whyment was extremely remorseful and hadn't touched "a drop" of alcohol since the incident. Mr Armstrong added: "He has lost that which was held dearest to him - his good reputation."
Addressing the court himself, Whyment said: "The embarrassment at being here is immeasurable. That good character was something I held in high regard. I accept what happened was completely down to me and alcohol had an effect.
"I have not touched a drop since and I have no intention to again. I served my time in the police with pride and still display my certificates and commendations with pride."
Sentencing him, District Judge Paul Currer said: "This was an incident where you rightly observe that you behaved badly and you can attribute that to the amount of alcohol you consumed. Often people consume alcohol but it doesn't lead to this type of behaviour but, in your case, it did.
"It was appalling behaviour, you were behaving violently and aggressively, but I accept it was out of character."
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