A POLICE officer who was subjected to an "disgraceful attack” by a violent offender has been praised for his bravery.

Macauley Melvin, 22, punched and choked the on-duty PC Martin Finn before threatening to attack him with an axe in Barmston Village, Washington, earlier this year.

After it was alleged a man matching Melvin’s description had been acting suspiciously in the area, the experienced PC identified the defendant and placed him under arrest.

But Melvin climbed into his vehicle and attempted to drive off with PC Finn hanging out of the vehicle, before raining blows down on him and throttling him in the street.

The offender was detained after a member of the public saw the attack and assisted the PC.

After Melvin was convicted of six charges, including assault and dangerous driving, Chief Inspector Sam Rennison has hailed the officer’s professionalism and bravery as he successfully apprehended the suspect.

“Melvin’s disgraceful actions could have easily led to serious and potentially life-changing injuries for the officer involved,” Chief Insp Rennison said.

“The officer was carrying out his duties in a respectful and professional manner, and what followed was totally unacceptable – with the defendant punching, choking and injuring the PC in a desperate bid for freedom.

“There can be no question that PC Finn showed incredible bravery and professionalism despite being subjected to this horrific and unprovoked assault. I would like to place on record my thanks to him for his bravery whilst ensuring a violent criminal was successfully apprehended.

“Our officers come to work each day knowing they could be faced with dangerous situations, and clearly putting public safety before their own is paramount.

“However, when they are faced with such needless levels of violence, it is imperative that those offenders are dealt with robustly.”

The court heard a member of the public rang police claiming a man had been acting suspiciously in Barmston Village on the evening of February 13.

Officers were deployed to the scene, and upon seeing Melvin wearing a jacket on Waskerley Road which matched the description of the male, the PC began to place him under arrest.

Melvin, of Wordsworth Avenue East, Houghton-le-Spring, was subsequently charged with assault, obstructing a PC in execution of duty, dangerous driving, no insurance use, driving without licence and possession of a class C drug.

He pleaded guilty to all offences.

A judge sentenced him to a one-year community order, a five-month curfew with electronic monitoring and a drug rehabilitation requirement. Melvin was also ordered to pay £200 compensation.