A FORMER jockey who bit a police officer has been handed a community order.

Mark Jackson appeared before magistrates in Hereford for sentencing in June after entering a guilty plea to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at an earlier hearing.

The court heard from prosecutor Mark Hambling that the 55-year-old had assaulted a police officer in Hereford on January 4, causing him actual bodily harm in the attack.

Prosecutor Mark Hambling told the court at Jackson's plea hearing that PC Brown attended Jackson's caravan and informed him he was being arrested.

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

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"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.

Jackson, of Munderfield Harold, Bromyard, was handed a community order and made subject to a four-week curfew order with electronic tag monitoring requiring him to remain at his home between 8pm and 7am daily.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £125 to the officer, and a £114 victim surcharge, which is used to help fund services supporting victims of crime.