Jail for man who tried to gouge a police officer's eyes out

A man who tried to gouge a police officer's eyes out after being arrested at a bail hostel has been jailed for two years and 10 months.

Stephen Binding, currently care of the Isle of Man Prison, was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse this week (6 May).

The 35-year-old attacked the officer at police headquarters in October after saying: "I'm really going to kick off in a moment".

The court heard he was reported to police by staff at Tromode House after CCTV footage of the kitchen led them to believe he had cannabis on his person.

After being charged, he attacked the officer, striking him in the face a number of times, as well as attempting to bite and headbutt him repeatedly.

Pava spray was used to subdue Binding, who later said: "I'm going to go back to Jurby for it, so I might as well make it worthwhile."

The officer was left with broken glasses and a fractured elbow from the attack.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, he said Binding 'clearly has no regard for police officers'.

During sentencing, Deemster Graeme Cook told Binding he had assaulted a 'very brave officer who was simply doing his job'.

He said: "Police officers are entitled to respect from members of the public.

"You're a danger to the public, and in particular police officers."

Binding will also be subject to an extended licence period of two years.