A man spat at a police officer after he was arrested for causing trouble at his parents' home.

The disgusted officer, who was booking Charles Bennett into a cell at Brighton custody suite, had to wipe the spittle out of his hair.

Bennett, 21, of Windlesham Road, Brighton, admitted a charge of assaulting a police officer when he appeared before Brighton magistrates.

James Frederick, prosecuting, told the court officers were called to the family home on the night of October 17 after his parents became concerned their son, who was drunk, was becoming aggressive and causing a disturbance.

Frederick was arrested after throwing a brick at a window of the house.

He later apologised for spitting at the officer and said he had reacted because he was angry about being arrested.

Ed Fish, defending, said Bennett turned to drink after an accident last year in which he broke his back.

Magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports and Bennett was bailed until November 12.