A MAN bit a policeman on the leg as he was being restrained by three officers in the custody suite at Blackburn police station.

But Blackburn magistrates were told that Barry Ormandy claimed to suffer from blackouts and could remember nothing between his initial arrest and waking up naked on the floor of a cell.

Ormandy, 26, of Railton Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Duncan Whitely in the execution of his duty.

He was remanded on bail until April 19 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports which district judge Mr A Jones said should take account of his medical condition and should address the strong likelihood of a custodial sentence being imposed.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said that at 3.50pm PC Whitely and another officer had been called to a domestic incident at Ormandy's home.

They found two young children crying in the living room and Ormandy's partner was "shaking and crying and quite hysterical."

The woman said she wanted Ormandy to leave because he had been violent towards her and she feared for her safety.

He refused to leave and when told he was being arrested to prevent a breach of the peace he became aggressive.

Mr Hartley said Ormandy was restrained in handcuffs but on the way to the police station repeatedly head butted the inside of the police vehicle.

In the custody suite three officers were attempting to restrain Ormandy when he bit PC Whitely just above the knee.

The officer said he felt excruciating pain and a great deal of discomfort.

Elliott Taylforth, defending, said the incident had been an argument between Ormandy and his wife and neither of them had called the police.

"He does suffer from blackouts and this has only recently been discovered," said Mr Taylforth. "He is due to go for a brain scan next month."

Mr Taylforth said Ormandy remembered the police taking him away.

"The next thing he recalls is waking up on a cold cell floor without his clothes," said Mr Taylforth. "He remembers apologising when he was charged but not the incident itself."