A WINCHESTER man has avoided an immediate custodial sentence for attacking and spitting at a police officer.

Magistrates suspended the sentence against Christopher Gwyn Peake because the attack happened more than two years ago.

Peake, 40, of Christchurch Road, pleaded guilty to attacking Keith Williams on December 28 2019.

The court heard that Peake twice spat at PC Williams which caused "substantial anxiety" and that the offences were "aggravated by horrendous previous-like convictions".

Magistrates in Basingstoke jailed him for 26 weeks but suspended for 24 months.

Peake was also ordered to pay £300 compensation.