A POLICEMAN has told how he thought he was going to die after he was set upon by a brutal gang of thugs during a terrifying late night attack in Basingstoke.

Pc Dave Smith (pictured) said it felt like he was being "attacked by a pack of dogs" when the gang targeted him and beat him unconscious after he went to deal with a youth who was vandalising his police car.

The 41-year-old officer was treated for a broken front tooth, broken ribs, severe bruising and swelling to his right eye and head, and bruising and grazing to his body. He also suffered post-traumatic stress, disturbing nightmares and flashbacks and was signed off work for five weeks to recuperate both physically and mentally.

Pc Smith said: "I've served in the army for 12-and-a-half-years and been to Northern Ireland but the attack was the most scary thing that's happened to me. I really thought that was it."

Pc Smith spoke to The Gazette after 18-year-old Rupert Moynihan, of South Ham, Basingstoke, was sentenced to two years and three months in a young offenders institution after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.

Charles Gabb, prosecuting at Winchester Crown Court, said Pc Smith was investigating a complaint at The Beacon pub in South Ham late on Friday, March 3, 2001, when he spotted Moynihan on the roof of his marked police car, pulling off the blue flashing light.

When he came out to stop him, Moynihan hurled the light at the bobby, hitting him on the side of the head, and ran off down the road.

The officer pursued the youth but was then set upon by three other teenagers who kicked and punched him until he lost consciousness.

Moynihan is the only person involved in the attack who has been successfully prosecuted. He admitted kicking Pc Smith once and punching him twice to break free and run away.

Dominic Kay, defending, said Moynihan denied knowing the other attackers. He added the teenager - who has a previous record of violent offences, burglary and dishonesty dating back to the age of 13 - came from a broken home and had a drink problem.

Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Fuller told Moynihan: "What makes this case serious was there was no need for any of this to happen.

You were technically responsible for the whole episode beginning and there was also no need for you to join in the attack when it got under way because it is clear the officer was outnumbered."

Although disappointed with Moynihan's sentence, Pc Smith praised the support he has received from the Hampshire force.

The officer - who is now based in Aldershot - added: "I am just pleased I can now put this whole episode behind me and get on with the rest of my life."