A MAN who racially abused and physically attacked two police officers and a doctor trying to treat him has avoided jail after convincing a judge he had stopped drinking.

Bolton Crown Court heard how paramedics were called to Christopher Sandland’s home on Somerset Road, Atherton, at 12.30am on January 6 this year after it was suspected he had taken an overdose.

Saul Brady, prosecuting, described how paramedics found him too intoxicated to treat and the decision was made to take him to hospital whereupon Sandland, 47, became "very aggressive".

Two police officers attended but Sandland resisted and offered to fight one of the officers while swinging his arms around and swearing at them.

Sandland was handcuffed but flung himself to the ground as he was walked towards a police car.

“He continued to shout and swear and he kicked both officers to the leg,” said Mr Brady, who added that two more officers were called to the scene and Sandland was put into an ambulance.

But during the 10 minute journey to Royal Bolton Hospital Sandland hurled racially abusive comments at one of the officers, using the same racial slur 20-30 times.

On arriving at the hospital, Sandland continued to hurl abuse and spat at the police officers with Mr Brady describing that one reported how blood-flecked saliva hit her tactical vest.

Sandland also directed racial abuse at Dr Tang and refused to allow blood to be taken or observations made, the court heard.

He was later arrested and pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker and two offences of racially aggravated harassment.

After first hearing the case in June this year, Judge Timothy Stead deferred passing sentence until this week after saying he wanted to hear how Sandland, now of Romney Close, Neston, was engaging with services and stabilising his life.

Martin Pizzey, defending, said Sandland had now moved away from the Atherton area and was "embarrassed and ashamed" of the incident.

Mr Pizzey added that Sandland had not touched alcohol since January and there was "no evidence of a relapse", which was backed up by a pre-sentence report.

Handing Sandland a 10 month sentence suspended for two years, Judge Stead said: "I gave him a chance to prove himself and I can't say he's failed.

"After behaving in a way that can only be described as outrageous, I have tested you for the past few months and you've passed the test."

Sandland will also have to complete a 25 day rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR), and take part in the 'Manging My Emotions' programme and pay £100 costs.