A MOTORIST dragged a policeman along by his arm in an attempt to escape officers.

Sonny Horgan was pulled over for acting suspiciously in Atheling Road, Hythe.

Officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and asked the 21-year-old and his passenger why they were in the area.

But when PC Mark Farley told Horgan to take out his keys, he instead turned on the ignition and fled the scene – dragging the policeman, caught on the car door, several metres.

READ MORE: Police dog back fighting crime after snapping joint

Prosecution barrister, Emily Lanham told that when the car stopped, Horgan made "a bid for freedom", pushing the other officer to the floor.

However, the defendant, of Orchard Way in Dibden Purlieu was arrested after a short foot chase.

Meanwhile, PC Farley suffered minor injuries to his arm.

READ MORE: Man fled from officers before slamming police dog in door

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Horgan, was charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, assault by beating of an emergency worker, failing to co-operate with a preliminary breath test, failing to provide specimen for analysis and possession of a Class B drug.

He previously pleaded guilty to the offences committed in April of last year.

Defending, Edward Warren said his client was an immature young man.

He added that he is the father of a ten-month-old daughter and has a promising future ahead of him, with an offer to study bricklaying at college.

But Judge Christopher Parker QC told Horgan that he "appeared to have taken leave of his senses", and "used the door as a weapon" to "batter" another officer.

He exposed officers to "serious injury or death".

"The actual harm was minimal, but the risk of harm was beyond measure," he said.

He jailed him for 15 months and banned him from driving for three and a half years.

Police Staff Investigator Jordan Clayton said: “We conducted a thorough investigation into this incident, resulting is us being able to provide a solid, evidenced-based case through the courts.

"Justice has now been served and Sonny Hogan will remain in prison for a lengthy time for the crimes that he has committed.

“Assaults on police will not be tolerated. Police officers and staff perform a difficult and often dangerous role, but we do not view assaults as simply being part of the job.

“Officers and staff come into contact with people who are sometimes going through the worst experience of their lives, but this doesn’t give people the right to ever verbally or physically abuse them.“

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