An arrested 19-year-old spat repeatedly in a patrol car as he was being taken to the police station, a court has been told.

Ross Reeves was charged with criminal damage to the vehicle because it had to be cleaned up.

Reeves, of Horley Place, Brighton, admitted the offence when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court.

He further admitted smashing a window at the Rock Inn, in Rock Street, Brighton, causing £120 damage and driving a Mazda, taken without the owner's consent, which was found on fire in Whitehawk.

Reeves, who has never held a driving licence, admitted driving the car without insurance and while disqualified.

The court heard he was banned from driving for 18 months in April last year, for two offences of drink driving.

Mark Bishop, prosecuting, said: "On the way back to the police station the defendant swore and verbally abused the officers.

He spat on a number of occasions. He was asked to stop but he was abusive and continued."

Reeves was sentenced to a total of 90 days in a young offenders institution.

He is currently serving a 12-month sentence imposed in October last year for a burglary.