Man who punched police officer in face and shoved another into wall avoids jail

Edward Foote, 47, of no fixed address, assaulted the officers at an address on Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, on Wednesday 3 April. 

One of the officers suffered swelling, cuts and bruises as a result of the assault, Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard. He was ordered to pay a total of £320 (£50 and £270) in compensation to the officers, both of whom work on the District Policing Team.

Foote has also been made subject to a community order and a rehabilitation activity requirement, for which he must comply with instructions in attending appointments or participating in any activity as required, up to a maximum of 15 days.

Speaking after the sentencing, Eastleigh District Commander, Chief Inspector Matt Paling, said: “We will never tolerate our officers being assaulted in the course of their duties.

“Our officers work tirelessly every single day to serve and protect the public, putting themselves in harm’s way in the process. They should never have to fear an assault, physical or verbal, in their continued efforts to keep the community safe.

“I am pleased to see that Foote has been held to account for his offending against our officers.”