A FORMER jockey is looking at a custodial sentence for biting a police officer.

Mark Jackson, who lives at a caravan site near Bromyard, pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Ryan Brown, thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm, when he appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court on May 17.

Mark Hambling, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, said that PC Brown attended Jackson's caravan and informed him he was being arrested.

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"The gentleman was on the sofa and the officer leans over and handcuffs are placed on him," said Mr Hambling.

"He [Jackson] is unwilling and doesn't confirm to instructions and holds onto the arm and continues to bite for four or five seconds."

The court heard that PC Brown sustained swelling and reddening from the bite. 

"Mr Jackson appears upset and distressed - that is fairly obvious from [watching] the body camera," added Mr Hambling.

"When interviewed, he says he doesn't recollect it and shows remorse."

Jackson's solicitor told the court that he is 'genuinely appalled' by his behaviour and is a man of good character who had never been in trouble before. 

Magistrates told Jackson that a pre-sentence report was appropriate, however they are looking at a custodial sentence which will be issued on June 20.