THE head of a group which represents rank-and-file police officers in Hampshire has called for automatic prison sentences for people who assault police officers.
Alex Charge, chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, says a "zero-tolerance" policy would provide a "clear deterrent".
It comes after police sergeant Nick Tucker was left needing facial surgery after a "unprovoked attack" in central Southampton.
His attacker, Robert Mann, 26, from Totton, was jailed for 30 months after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
Speaking after the sentencing, Hampshire Police Federation chair Alex Charge said: “This was a very serious and unprovoked attack on a hard working officer protecting his community.
"The Police Federation has sought further protection for officers through the assaults on emergency service workers bill.
“What we now need is the criminal justice system to take it seriously and use the full weight of sentencing powers.
“There should be zero tolerance in sentencing, and people who choose to assault police officers doing their duty should go to prison. This would serve as a clear message and deterrent.
“Anything less than this is an insult to those officers and other emergency service workers who protect the public.”
Mr Charge's comments come after Mann was jailed during his sentencing at Southampton Crown Court on Monday.
The court heard how the attack happened in Southampton on June 23.
Mann delivered a single punch to Sergeant Tucker's face, knocking him to the floor.
Sergeant Tucker suffered a three part fracture to his cheek, which required the insertion of titanium plates to repair, as well as a fracture his jaw.
Mitigating for Mann, Richard Onslow said his client, who pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm without intent, was "utterly remorseful" for his actions.
Sentencing Mann, of Coriander Drive, in Totton, to 30 months in prison, recorder James Newton-Price QC said: "You punched Sergeant Tucker to the right side of the face.
"You attacked from behind without warning and at speed.
"It was described by a doorman who witnessed the incident as a very cowardly attack.
"It was, in my judgement, entirely unprovoked. It should have been obvious to you that this was a police officer trying to do his duty."
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