If every dog has its day, then yesterday belonged to Barney the German Shepherd, when the crook who nearly killed him was brought to justice.

Teesside magistrates heard how in May last year, police dog Barney was almost strangled to death by a drink driver trying to escape.

As horrified officers tried to overpower Darren Coulson, 31, he fell on top of the dog, shouting that he was going to kill him.

The court heard how PC Ian Solomon, seven-year-old Barney's handler, believed him to be dying.

But when Coulson turned his attentions to PC Solomon, he sprang back to life to save his human friend.

PC Solomon said: "He was exhausted and barely breathing as Coulson attacked me, but Barney pulled himself round, leapt to my defence and inflicted a serious wound to Coulson's back."

The drama began when police stopped the Vauxhall Cavalier in which Coulson was a passenger, in Normanby Road, South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

As officers interviewed the driver in their patrol car, he slipped behind the wheel and drove off.

The ensuing chase ended with the car in a field alongside the A1085 at Grangetown and Coulson running off. When he was captured, what should have been a routine arrest turned into a horrific struggle.

Yesterday, Coulson, who pleaded not guilty to four charges, failed to appear in court.

He was convicted in his absence of driving with more than twice the alcohol limit, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and a count of affray. The magistrates issued a warrant without bail for his arrest.

PC Solomon, whose former dog Joe won a police commendation, said he couldn't be prouder of Barney.

"He is a brave, loyal, enthusiastic working dog," he said. His training was stretched to the limit but he didn't release his grip. I feared the worst and struck out. If this man was going to do that to my dog, what was he going to do to me?"

Following his ordeal, the courageous dog, who has served PC Solomon since he was a puppy, made a good recovery. He is expected to retire from active duty this year