A DRUG addict knifeman sank his teeth into a policewoman's elbow and told her: "You have got Aids now."

Burnley Crown Court heard how Tyrone Bridges, 26, confronted four people with a "ferocious-looking," six-inch weapon, and then set upon the officer in a car on the way to the police station.

Bridges, of Waterloo Road, Clith- eroe, was jailed for eight months after admitting affray and assault.

Recorder Robert Marks said the four confronted in the street must have been terrified.

The court heard how a friend of Bridges went out with another girl for a drink in Clitheroe.

The pair of them were standing outside a pub with two men, when the defendant approached and shouted threats to try and get the men to fight.

Bridges, armed with the knife and holding a can of beer, said: "Come on big boy, let's see how hard you are now," to one man.

The man kicked him in the chest despite the knife threat.

In the early hours, Bridges was arrested at home and police found two scabbards, one of them empty.

Bridges was put in a police car and after he became abusive and threatening and lunged towards the driver, the policewoman put her arm across to stop him.

Bridges bit her and told her she would have Aids.

The officer's skin was broken and she was worried, knowing Bridges was a drug user.

Dennis Watson, defending, said Bridges had had drugs and drink problems over a long time, but had made efforts.

He had stretched the tolerance of his parents to the limit, but had their continued support.

Bridges' father saw a big change and significant progress from the son he knew several years ago.

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