A DRUG addict who lunged at a police officer with a knife after arguing with his ex-partner has been spared jail.

Basildon Crown Court heard police were called to reports of a domestic incident at Draper Court, in Long Road, Canvey, at about 2.45am on February 25.

Renouf Gerard, prosecuting, told the court that on arrival two officers began questioning residents and searching the three-storey block of flats for Bull.

Mr Gerard said the officers were told the 35-year-old had “stabbed himself” in an attempt to end his life. A third officer, PC Michael Peterson, remained in the corridor where he spoke to a resident.

He said: “PC Peterson was stood facing number 25 when he suddenly heard a male shouting. He turned around and saw Christopher Bull standing behind the doorway.

“He had the knife in his right hand. He was clearly agitated and shouting at the top of his voice. He said: ‘I will do you.’ He then marched towards him.

“He struck the officer in the face with his left arm and had the knife raised in his other hand. The officer feared that he would use the knife to try and kill him.”

CCTV footage was played to the court which showed a shirtless Bull, wearing only grey tracksuit bottoms, suddenly jumping out and pushing the officer.

He then moves down the corridor where he appears to be agitated. He starts bouncing on his feet and pushes a woman away.

Mr Gerard said at this point he yelled “I will stab you” at the officer. As two more officers emerge at the end of the corridor, Bull strides towards them, still holding the kitchen knife, and is Tasered.

He is then seen writhing around on the ground covered in his own blood. Bull is Tasered again until he drops the knife. Officers then kick it away and restrain him.

Mr Gerard offered to read a victim impact statement from the officer to the court but Judge Samantha Leigh said she had seen it and it did not need to be read out.

Bull admitted affray and making threats with an offensive weapon.

Juliette Donovan, mitigating, said Bull was locked in a battle with his ex-partner over access to his daughter and had been using alcohol and cocaine as a result.

She said: “He’s deeply ashamed about his actions. He’s very empathetic with the police officer and understands how serious it was for the officer.”

Judge Leigh handed Bull a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, so that he can take part in a drug treatment programme, noting that he was “high” during the incident.

The judge told Bull the situation with his child must be “heartbreaking” but he should handle it through the courts.

He was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work but a Crown request for costs was refused.