A former police officer has been jailed after an assault which left a man with a deep cut to his head.

Stephen William Light was convicted last month of unlawfully wounding Andrew Grant in the victim's Workington home after entering it uninvited and unannounced in the early hours of April 11.

At Carlisle Crown Court today Light, who was a sergeant with Northumbria Police at the time, was jailed for for two years and six months for assault causing grievous bodily harm.

At the earlier court hearing, Light, 44, of Bede Close, Newcastle, was said to have been “simmering with resentment” when he entered Mr Grant’s Fountains Avenue home.

Light, who had earlier drank “10 pints-plus”, attacked and injured Mr Grant with the end of a metal kitchen roll holder. There had been a noise nuisance dispute between the householder and his next door neighbours – the then officer’s father and step-mother.

Mr Grant told jurors that he had ended up with seven stitches in his head.

The assault happened after window's at Mr Grant's home had been damaged.

Light had denied unlawfully wounding Mr Grant and causing criminal damage to his windows.

After a trial, a jury acquitted him of the damage charge but found him guilty of wounding.

Light, 44, said he acted in self-defence, but prosecutor Gerard Rogerson had said to jurors at the start of the trial: “This case is about a man who took the law into his own hands.”

Light had 22 years’ service with Northumbria Police.

After the sentencing, Detective Constable James Graham of West Cumbria CID said: "This attack was on a man in his own home, a place where everyone has the right to feel safe.

"The sentence passed today reflects seriousness of the offences and the violence shown.

"Cumbria Police will not tolerate this type of behaviour and look to bring all offenders to justice."

Superintendent Sav Patsalos, head of professional standards at Northumbria Police, said: "We expect the highest standards from officers and staff both on and off-duty.

"As soon as we became aware of the allegations against Stephen Light he was suspended.

"Following his conviction for assault, we progressed relevant disciplinary proceedings which have resulted in his dismissal without notice from the Force.

"I want this to give people confidence that in cases such as this we will not hesitate to take swift and decisive action.

"I would like to reassure the communities we serve that this sort of behaviour is not reflective of the outstanding professionalism and commitment our officers and staff display daily."