Police officer punched after crash near Bournemouth roundabout

Hicham Sabri put one officer in a headlock and punched another in the face as they tried to detain him.

Police had been attempting to restrain the 32-year-old following a single-vehicle crash near a Bournemouth roundabout in the early hours of the morning.

Judge Simon Carr sentenced the defendant to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, at a Bournemouth Crown Court hearing on Thursday, March 24.

The judge warned Sabri that he would be jailed if he found himself before the courts again.

“There are no more chances, Mr Sabri,” said Judge Carr.

• Read more: Hours of police negotiations end in arrest after man brandishes sword in break-in

Police officers were called to the scene near St Paul’s Roundabout at 3.40am on July 17 last year following a report a car had left the carriageway and collided with a tree.

The court heard that Sabri, of Ebury Bridge Road, London, was believed to have been the driver of the vehicle and “it was obvious to all” he had taken something – alcohol.

The defendant attempted to start smoking, which should not do before doing a roadside breathalyser test.

He was asked to stop by officers but did not, so they tried to detain him.

Sabri became aggressive and a struggle broke out, which led to the assault on PC Bowes and PC Rawlings.

The defendant previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

• Read more: Man avoids going behind bars for 'sustained attack' on woman

Sabri was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court

Mitigating, Alexandra Scott said given Sabri’s background and the findings of a pre-sentence report, it was appropriate to impose a suspended sentence.

The court heard the offender suffered a high level of trauma as a child which led to mental health difficulties he experiences as an adult. He was supported by carers who would visit his home.

Judge Carr said it was these factors alone which made it appropriate to spare Sabri an immediate prison term.

He told the defendant: “You must never drink again and you must never take cannabis again.”

The suspended sentence included a requirement to carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.

Before leaving the dock, Sabri told the judge: “I will never do it again, I promise.”

If you are interested in court and crime news, stay up to date with all our latest updates in our dedicated Facebook group. To find out more and to join click here.