A PRISONER who leapt the dock at Bradford Crown Court and spat in a policeman's face when he helped detain him has been jailed for 12 months.

Luke Fitzgerald, 22, who has a previous conviction for escape, was collared by security staff on the concourse after the front doors were locked to prevent him running off.

Fitzgerald appeared before the court today on a video link to Leeds Prison where he was remanded in custody.

He pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody on September 21 and common assault on the police officer.

Fitzgerald, who has convictions for battery and affray, leapt the dock after seeing family members in the public gallery, his barrister, Stephen Wood, said.

He was in court from custody facing an allegation of serious violence when he made his bid for freedom.

Fitzgerald, of Norton Drive, Halifax, was chased by the dock officer and security staff grappled with him on the concourse.

Mr Wood said his client acted on impulse and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Judge Mark Savill said the assault on the officer was "a quite disgusting, unpleasant and unprovoked thing to do."