A SUSPECTED drink-driver sank his teeth into the hand of a police officer before refusing to give a sample of breath.

Nigel Winger was “aggressive and uncooperative” throughout his arrest after concerned staff at two stores witnessed his driving and called the police.

He was first spotted driving erratically away from Tesco, in Greenstead Road, Colchester, by staff, after walking into the store and buying alcohol.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard he then damaged a bollard in the car park of the nearby B&Q, where staff again called for help.

Hendrika Tatam, prosecuting, said: “PC Scott and PC Coalbran attend B&Q to find him outside, sat with a member of staff.

“The defendant walked away when challenged by officers, who describe him smelling of intoxicating alcohol.

“PC Coalbran is attempting to handcuff the defendant, who at this point starts to struggle and pulls away.

“He tells them ‘I have resisted arrest with every officer.’ “The defendant tried to bite the officers who are trying to arrest him.

“In doing so, PC Coalbran received pain to his hand.”

Winger, 48, of Burnham Road, Southminster, was taken to Colchester police station, where officers said he remained argumentative.

He refused to provide a specimen of breath and fought back when officers tried to escort him to a cell.

Ms Yatam added: “He was assisted to custody and PC Mcintyre-Major had hold of the defendant’s right arm.

“The defendant managed to get free and started attempting to strike her.

“He struck her to the head and was taken to the cell, where he continued to make further attempts to bite the PC.

Mark Pearson, mitigating, said Winger had now been diagnosed with severe anxiety, which caused him to start drinking at the time of the incident.

Winger admitted one count of failing to provide a specimen for analysis, two counts of assaulting a police officer and two counts of resisting a constable in the execution of their duty He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, Winger was banned from driving for 29 months and ordered to pay £60 each to PC Coalbran and PC Mcintyre-Major in compensation.