A DRUNKEN teenager was sprayed with CS gas when he used violence in an effort to avoid arrest, a court heard.

Just four days before the incident, Jamie Dyer was given to community order for taking a vehicle without consent, two charges of criminal damage and breaching his bail, Colchester magistrates were told.

Police, looking for a different man, visited a house in Earls Colne, where they found Dyer.

He immediately became abusive to officers and despite being asked to calm down, continued to cause problems.

Officers arrested him, but he tried to grab the handcuffs and struggled violently until he was sprayed with CS.

The 18-year-old admitted threatening behaviour and obstructing a police officer on October 16.

His lawyer, Georgie Prasad, said Dyer was a troubled young man who suffered from attention deficit disorder and Asperger’s syndrome.

She added: “He was on medication as a child, but is no longer receiving treatment.

“He has had difficulties working with the probation service because of his condition. There was no reason for him to behave as he did. He has not drunk alcohol since, and does not want to get in trouble again.”

Magistrates gave Dyer, of Atlas Road, Earls Colne, a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, complete a thinking skills course and pay £85 costs.