A MAN intending to commit suicide by jumping off a motorway bridge bit the hand of a man who tried to save him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Aaron Riley also attempted to bite a police officer who arrived on the scene shortly after and also tried to pull him from the wrong side of the bridge railings.

The court was told the civilian victim was left with permanent scars on his hand which he said were a reminder of what he described as a "sad day."

Aaron Riley, 35, of Elizabeth Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assaulting Michael Coleman and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Coleman, £50 compensation to PC Regan Atkinson and fined £80.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said the incident occurred on a bridge close to junction five of the M65 at about 8.30am on January 21.

Mr Coleman was driving past with his brother when he saw Riley in a "vulnerable" position.

"He stopped his car and went to offer his assistance to the defendant," said Mr Tindall. "He took hold of him and Riley reacted by biting him hard on the hand, forcing him to release his grip."

Police attended because of various reports they had received and Riley was again in a vulnerable position of the wrong side of the rails.

"There was a struggle during which the defendant grabbed PC Atkinson and tried to bite his hand as well," said Mr Tindall.

Bal Minhas, defending, described it as a very sad case.

"The bottom line is that my client was trying to kill himself," said Mr Minhas. "It is accepted that both the aggrieved were doing there best to help him."

Mr Minhas said that before the incident Riley had been to hospital and asked them to section him under the Mental Health Act.

"Unfortunately they told him to go away," said Mr Minhas. "He is a million times better that he was two months ago and is anxious to express his genuine remorse."