A YOB knocked a police officer down with a single "surprise" punch after behaving badly outside his ex's Millom home.

Thomas Jake Vallantine was high on drink and drugs when he committed a series of offences on June 28. Prosecutor Beccy McGregor told Carlisle Crown Court 21-year-old Vallantine and Amanda Cosgrove had been in a three-year relationship with a "history of domestic issues".

At 7.50am, Vallantine visited Miss Cosgrove's home and yelled at her from outside, having earlier argued. Vallantine picked up a fence panel and smashed front door glass. Miss Cosgrove rang 999 and was advised to "barricade" herself into an upstairs room. Vallantine also ripped two gates off their hinges and smashed a bird bath. He was bare-chested when police arrived. PC Rushton-Cape's body-cam captured him dealing calmly with Vallantine, who then launched a "surprise" attack when told he would be arrested. "The defendant swings a single punch towards the officer," said Ms McGregor. "It struck him to the side of his head, to the left ear, causing him immediate and intense pain, and causing him to fall to the floor." Vallantine ran off, and it took the dazed officer several minutes to get up. He was treatment at hospital, and lost hearing for several hours.

Vallantine launched a "tirade of abuse" when found. "That copper I hurt before. I hope he's hurt. I hope I broke his teeth. One shot and he was out. Shows how hard you coppers are." During interview, he called his victim a "whimp", adding: "It's all for the camera." Vallantine admitted affray, criminal damage, escaping from custody and assault with intent to resist arrest.

Judith McCullough, defending, said Vallantine had suffered a "depressive episode" after losing a labouring job - drinking alcohol and taking drugs. "His behaviour was wholly unacceptable. This defendant is genuinely horrified and very, very ashamed of his actions on that day." Time spent in custody on remand had been "a shock", and he had sought to address drink, drugs and anger problems. Judge James Adkin jailed Vallantine, of Bankside, Millom, for 12 months and imposed a five year restraining order prohibiting Vallantine contacting Miss Cosgrove.