Vicious Steven Rollitt, who twice sunk his teeth into a policeman's left arm, was ordered by a judge to pay the officer £700 compensation.

Rollitt must also pay another constable £150 for punching him and carry out a community penalty for attacking the two officers.

But Rollitt, of North Road, Westcliff, was spared a prison sentence because he had shown genuine remorse, said Judge Daniel Worsley.

The defendant's brutal assaults were as a result of a broken relationship and depression during which he attempted suicide, Basildon Crown Court heard.

Rollitt, 34, turned to drink when he could no longer cope with life.

In May this year he was heard screaming and shouting outside the Palace Hotel, Southend. He lashed out in his rage and smashed the window of a parked car, said Sherry Dalesandro, prosecuting.

She added that PC Paul Chesney and PC Daniel Jordan were called to the scene and arrested Rollitt.

In the patrol car he twice bit PC Chesney on the arm, causing a serious gash and teeth marks, said Miss Dalesandro.

He then struck the other constable and had to be restrained as he continued to lash out.

Rollitt's barrister, Alan Blake, said the defendant was having a number of mental problems because of the relationship breaking down and was so low that he slashed his wrists.

Mr Blake added that Rollitt now felt shame and remorse and apologised to the two policemen he had attacked. He tried to make it up by giving blood samples in case police feared he was carrying "a dangerous disease".

Rollitt pleaded guilty to causing PC Chesney actual bodily harm, common assault on PC Jordan and criminal damage to the car.

He was told by the judge: "These were vicious offences, but I accept you have had a rough time and your life had fallen apart."

The judge added that although he had a duty to protect the police and public, he felt the defendant had turned over a new leaf and should be given another chance.

He said Rollitt must work 100 hours of community service and be placed on probation supervision for two years.

Apart from compensation to the policemen, Rollitt must also pay £150 for the car damage and £155 court costs.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001