Rioter jailed for threat to bite police officer

Martin McCluskey was caught on camera abusing the officer, Staffordshire Police said

A man who threw rocks at police during a riot in Staffordshire in the summer, telling one officer he would "bite his face off", has been jailed for three years.

Martin McCluskey was filmed verbally abusing the officer before footage also showed him throwing missiles at officers, during trouble in Tamworth in August.

The 60-year-old, of Manor Road, Tamworth, previously admitted violent disorder and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, at Stafford Crown Court.

Asst Ch Con Stuart Ellison, of Staffordshire Police, said officers faced "acts of mindless criminality and violence" in the riot, during which petrol bombs were thrown and attempts made to torch a hotel housing asylum seekers.

The same officer targeted by McCluskey suffered bruising to his face when he was struck with a bicycle and doused in petrol.

The defendant also kicked a glass bottle at another officer, causing it to shatter against their shin, the force said.

After being identified and charged by police, McCluskey was one of six to admit their part in the disorder last month.