A MAN who threatened to bite a police dog has been fined £35 after admitting being drunk and disorderly.

Officers were called to Darlington Memorial Hospital at about 10.25pm on June 6 to reports of Jason Joseph Crompton being aggressive towards staff.

Crompton, 42, of Vane Terrace in Darlington, had left the hospital by the time police arrived but officers found him in a nearby street, the court heard.

Prosecutor David Wood said Crompton instantly started shouting abuse at the officers, including a threat that he would bite a police dog.

Crompton also yelled: “I am going to cause havoc when you officers leave.”

Mr Wood said Crompton has 48 convictions for 108 offences and is currently subject to a suspended prison sentence.

His June outburst also put him in breach of a conditional discharge he received for being drunk and disorderly the court heard.

Carl Swift in mitigation said Crompton had gone to the hospital to see a seriously ill friend and had turned abusive when staff would not let him into the ward because he was drunk.

Mr Swift said Crompton then behaved in a “petulant way” towards police.

Magistrates decided to take no further action on the breach of the conditional discharge but they extended the suspended sentence from 12 to 16 months.

He must also pay a £35 fine and £20 victim surcharge.