AN alcoholic has admitted assault after he spat in the face of one of his support workers.

Anthony Evans, 43, admitted his actions were ‘disgusting’ and pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault at Darlington Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard Evans, of Fairfield Street, Darlington, arrived at a support meeting with a number of key workers in an “agitated and aggressive” mood which deteriorated, prompting one of the staff to call the police.

Alan Davidson, prosecuting, told magistrates that as the woman picked up the phone, Evans spat at her, hitting her in the face and chest.

In his police interview, Evans told officers he was an alcoholic which meant he didn’t always know what he was doing.

Alan Green, mitigating, said: “The incident on this day was borne out of his addiction to alcohol. He remembered spitting, but he thought it connected with her leg.

“It’s very much a regrettable situation, in a meeting of high emotions. It was a spur of the moment offence.”

Magistrates ordered Evans to pay compensation of £50 to the victim and costs of £50.