A Cumbrian police officer is undergoing medical tests after he was bitten by a drunken thug at Carlisle train station.

Derek Norman Holliday, 50, carried out the attack as the officer was trying to help him sit up in a police van, following his arrest over threats he made to a Virgin Trains team leader on the platform.

At the city's Rickergate magistrates court, Holliday biting the officer on the shoulder - an assault causing actual bodily harm; and using threatening behaviour towards the Virgin Trains worker.

John Moran, prosecuting, said the trouble began just after midnight on August 4 after the defendant got off a train from London, having just taken his two children to their mother, his estranged wife.

Holliday was verbally abusive, arguing with the Virgins trains worker about scaffolding works at the station.

“At one point,” said Mr Moran, “the defendant actually reached out and grabbed the [male] victim by the bottom, though the victim did not think it was sexual.”

When the worker said he would call the police, Holliday became more aggressive, stepping forward and telling him he would lay him out.

“The victim was concerned he would become the victim of an assault,” said Mr Moran.

When the police officer arrived, Holliday was arrested but he refused to get into the police van.

He had to be forced into it.

Once inside, he slumped on the van’s floor in a “concerning” position,” said Mr Moran. It was as the police officer tried to lift him onto a seat for his safety that Holliday grabbed him and bit him.

“The officer suddenly felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder,” said the prosecutor.

“This was when he realised the defendant had leaned into him and was now biting his left shoulder through his shirt.”

The victim struggled with Holliday, who refused to let go. It was only when the officer punched him that he unclenched his teeth.

Mr Moran said the victim had to go to A&E for treatment, which included antibiotics and anti-hepatitis injections.

He would also also need further medical tests for other possible infections, said Mr Moran.

In his victim statement, the officer said that it had been the first time during his eight years in the job when he had been forced to physically strike somebody to protect himself.

Steven Marsh, for Holliday, of Sebergham, near Caldbeck, said: “Mr Holliday is currently going through a stressful and difficult divorce.”

His client's worries included a fear his wife would take the children abroad, said Mr Marsh. The lawyer said while on the train Holliday drank half a bottle of wine and he was drunk when he got off the train.

“He expresses remorse and accepts that his behaviour was disgraceful,” said Mr Marsh, adding that the offences were out of character.

District Judge Gerald Chalk imposed 140 days jail, suspending the sentence for a year, along with 20 days of rehabilitation and 60 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Holliday must pay his victim £200 compensation and £85 prosecution costs.