A VALLEYS teenager bit the finger of a paramedic who had been called to help him after he took an overdose, a court heard.

Nathan James, 18, of Hollybush, took ten valium tablets to help him sleep after drinking heavily on May 22, Caerphilly Magistrates Court heard.

Prosecutor Catherine Yardley said paramedics were called to Attlee Way, Cefn Golau, Tredegar, at around 9.30pm responding to a 17-year-old who had taken an overdose.

When paramedic Darren Hubbard and a colleague arrived on the scene, another paramedic had issued a drug to combat the effects of the overdose, which would take five minutes to take effect.

While the drugs kicked in, paramedics put James, of Glen View, into a carry chair before placing him on a stretcher in order to take him to hospital.

Magistrates heard James became aggressive and began swearing and swinging his arms about.

Paramedics were trying to secure him on the stretcher so he couldn't fall off during the journey. As Mr Hubbard leant over him, James bit down on his right index finger.

Mrs Yardley said James showed no signs of letting go, so Mr Hubbard pushed him off in order to free his finger. He suffered puncture marks to his finger.

The court heard James admitted his guilt at the first opportunity, admitted drinking significant quantities of alcohol and taking valium, but said he could not remember anything about what happened.

James pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. His sentence was adjourned until September 22 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and he was given unconditional bail.