A YOUNG man, high on drink and drugs, who broke the wrist of a paramedic who tried to attend to him, has been given 23 months' detention.

Connor McHale, 20, also spat at another paramedic and bit a police officer to his left hand during the same fracas, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

Passing sentence, Judge Sophie McKone said: "These are serious offences.

"Emergency workers must be protected, particularly during the difficult circumstances presented to them during this coronavirus epidemic."

McHale, of Mossley Road, Ashton, was sent to youth custody after pleading guilty to one charge of assault and two offences of assaulting emergency workers.

Andrew Mackintosh, prosecuting, said police and paramedics were called to supported lodgings, where McHale was living, to reports he had fallen, on May 10.

Staff told the emergency service workers McHale had been taking cocaine, the court heard.

But on their arrival, said Mr Mackintosh, the defendant appeared to be calm.

McHale squared up to paramedic David Wharmby and bent his hand back, causing a serious injury. He then kicked out, forcing his victim to stumble into a shelf.

The defendant had to be subdued on his bed and while this was going on he spat at paramedic Gary Parker, who was also present but wearing a visor.

The court heard McHale was taken to a waiting police van but suddenly became unresponsive.

An officer, Pc Jorge El-Hage was assisting him into the back of a nearby ambulance when McHale became violent again, biting his hand.

Mr Mackintosh said Mr Wharmby was told later he had suffered a fractured wrist and would need to be off work for six weeks.

In a statement Mr Wharmby later said he felt frustrated that he would be off work at such a vital time for the service.

Mr Parker and Pc Al-Hage also gave statements, indicating that they felt unhappy as neither of them went to work expecting to be attacked simply for doing their jobs.

Ian Ridgway, defending, said his client recalled drinking vodka on the night in question.

But he could remember little else of what later happened, the court was told.

Mr Ridgway said McHale had a history of mental health problems, which had led to him living in the hostel in question.

The defendant had taken steps to address his drugs and alcohol issues but was realistic about the punishment he would now face, he told the court.