Patrick Kevin Shannon, of Endcliffe Crescent, admitted assaulting a police officer and possessing an offensive weapon when he appeared before York Crown Court.

PC John O’Malley managed to disarm Shannon, but not before the weapon was swung in his direction and he was then punched in the face, causing a split lip.

The court heard how Shannon has previous convictions for assaulting police officers, obstructing them and possessing offensive weapons. He has served a custodial sentence for a robbery in which a knife was used.

Rob Galley, prosecuting, told the court that the incident took place in Colescliffe Road at around 10.45am, on May 24.

hannon was only arrested after another police officer came to PC O’Malley’s aid.

Shannon told police he had been drinking cans of lager and had also taken valium the day before.

He added that he had attacked the officer after being upset by another constable who he alleged had assaulted his sister.

Brian Jepson, defending, said Shannon was determined to tackle his drink problem now that his partner was pregnant with their second child.

Adding that he was remorseful for what had happened and wished to apologise to PC O’Malley, Mr Jepson said that Shannon was facing up to the fact that he really could not continue to behave in this way in the community.

Passing sentence Recorder Brian Cox QC said: “This was a serious unprovoked attack on a police officer by someone with a record of carrying weapons and hitting people for no reason.”