A MAN bit one police officer on the arm and spat at his colleague, a court heard.

Plymouth magistrates were told that David Luxton broke the skin of the male constable's arm as officers tried to arrest him at his home.

The court heard that the policeman needed a tetanus jab and was advised to have a test for HIV.

Luxton, aged 32, also spat on to a second constable's trousers and punched him in the chest.

Luxton, of Ladysmith Road in Lipson, admitting assaulting an officer causing actual bodily harm and common assault against the second policeman on August 23.

He also admitted possession of cocaine. A trace of the Class A drug was found at his home during the incident.

Magistrates ordered a probation report into his background before he is sentenced.

Gareth Warden, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said police were called to Luxton's home by his mother who was worried about his safety at about 1.30am.

He added that officers gained entry to the flat after hearing music inside but failing to get any answer at the door.

Mr Warden said that Luxton was sleeping on a mattress on the floor.

He added that he became abusive when he was roused and then started struggling when police spotted the drugs and tried to arrest him.

Mr Warden said that Luxton spat at one officer, with the spit landing on his trousers. He then hit the officer in the chest, hitting his body armour.

The court heard that he was repeatedly sprayed with incapicitant spray and shot with a Taser electric stun gun.

Mr Warden said that further police were called and Luxton appeared to calm down.

But he added that he bit a second officer on the arm as he was being taken away.

Mr Warden said: "He broke the skin and the officer had a tetanus injection and was advised to have a test for HIV."

Adrian Hill, for Luxton, said his client had been "sinking into decline" at the time.

He added that Luxton had been drinking regularly following a split with his long-term partner.

Mr Hill said that he was seeking psychiatric help for his "depressive condition" and had not had a drink since the incident.

Magistrates released him on unconditional bail until he is sentenced on September 28.