A MAN who spat blood at a police officer during the height of the coronavirus crisis has been warned to expect a prison sentence for his “appalling” behaviour.

Damien Spear, 30, had been put into the back of a police van after officers were called to a disturbance in Walton.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard he had been stumbling on his feet and slurring his words, before becoming aggressive.

Andrew Forsyth, prosecuting, said he began to forcibly smash his head against the inside of the caged area of the van while the officers drove to Colchester Police Station.

The two officers stopped the van to try to prevent Spear from causing harm to himself.

As they entered the cage, Spear grabbed one officer’s forearm and pinched the skin.

The court heard he tried to bite the officers.

Spear then spat blood, which hit one officer’s arm, his uniform and the inside of the van’s cage.

With the spitting taking place in May last year, the van had to be thoroughly cleaned due to heightened fears over the pandemic.

Spear, of Spendells Close, Walton, admitted assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage.

The court heard he has 15 convictions for 24 offences, including for criminal damage, assault of a police officer and possession of a firearm.

Katie Armstrong-Mason, mitigating, said Spear’s remorse was “overwhelming”

and he had a background marred by mental health troubles.

“I think your honour will safely say when watching his behaviour, clearly he is not just in drink at that particular time and what he tells me is he suffers with a lot of mental health issues and physical issues as well,” she said.

She said Spear gets “into a state” when he mixes drink with his medications.

Recorder Richard Christie QC ordered a pre-sentence report be carried out but warned Spear he will likely receive a prison sentence.

He said: “I’ve seen that video and any judge sentencing you will see that video and your behaviour was appalling and unacceptable.”

Sentencing was adjourned until June 11.