Two binge-drinking brothers called Love didn't show much of it when they came across an off-duty police officer in Canterbury.

Gary and Philip Love had been boozing before they caused a disturbance in the French Connection store in the city in January this year.

The detective, who was awaiting an operation, tried to urge the rowdy brothers to go home - but they later attacked him and bit his hands.

The two, of Greenbridge Park, Vauxhall Road, Canterbury, both admitted assault and were each jailed for eight months.

Jobless carpenter Gary, 28, had recognised DC Mark Cananur from his time with a security company, Canterbury Crown Court heard.

James Bilsland, prosecuting, told how the brothers began shouting as the officer was shopping in the same store.

"DC Cananur was suffering from a prolapsed disc and was awaiting surgery at the time and wasn't willing to become involved in any confrontation but Gary Love recognised him.

"Gary whispered something to Philip before turning to the policeman saying: 'Ere you're that f*****g gavver!', a term used to describe a police officer."

The court heard DC Cananur asked the brothers to stop using foul language and leave the store as a shop assistant alerted ShopWatch staff.

A short while later as the officer walked out, he spotted Gary Love standing nearby in an area where there were "a lot of shoppers including children", Mr Bisland said.

"you both were very drunk and behaved disgracefully…” – judge adele williams

Gary Love then grabbed the officer's radio and punched him in the face as Philip Love threw a punch, but missed.

Mr Bilsland said security staff then grabbed Gary Love as the officer wrestled Philip Love to the floor - bouncing off the store window.

He said it was then that Philip Love - urged on by his brother - sunk his teeth into the officer's hands as another off-duty officer and members of the public arrived to help.

Christopher Sutton-Mattocks, defending, said: "Neither of them say they are regular drinkers but admit they are binge drinkers. And when they drink they find themselves in trouble.

"Both would like to apologise for what was a thoroughly unpleasant incident."

Judge Adele Williams told them: "You both were very drunk and behaved disgracefully. You attacked an officer who was trying to help you by telling you to go home. It is absolutely clear that alcohol is a major problem for both of you."