A drunken thug punched a police officer in the face as they assisted paramedics who were trying to treat him.

Police were called to Thanington Road, Canterbury, on the evening of March 1 as medics feared for their safety while attempting to help Charlie Hawker.

The 26-year-old hurled abuse at all three officers who attended before punching one of them in the face.

Hawker, of Kenardington, near Ashford, was arrested and later charged.

He was jailed for one year and one month at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday after he admitted assaulting an emergency worker at a hearing on June 18.

He was handed a nine-month sentence for the assault and an extra four months for breaching a suspended sentence he was given for unlawful wounding in 2019.

Investigating officer PC Jason Szarek said: "None of our officers should have to tolerate being abused or assaulted while trying to keep people safe. It should never be seen as part of our job.

"I hope the message of this case is clear; assault one of our officers and you face serious consequences."

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