A Penge man who punched and kicked a female police officer immediately after being released from custody has been jailed for two years.

Samual Tesefay, 28, of Thicket Road, admitted one count of assault and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court today.

The court heard how on May 10, Tesefay was released from custody after he was arrested for an unrelated offence.

Tesefay asked to be provided with some contact numbers from his phone and laptop, which had been seized for investigation, and the detective, the victim of the assault, agreed to hand over the details.

Upon meeting her at the front counter, Tesefay became agitated he could not have his possessions back.

Due to other members of the public being present, the officer took him outside so they could speak privately.

Once outside, Tesefay repeatedly punched the officer in the head and kicked her in the back as she attempted to get away from him.

Officers in the station’s service yard heard the disturbance and quickly ran to provide support.

Tesefay attempted to run away, but was promptly found hiding in nearby bushes.

He was re-arrested, charged the next day and has been remanded in custody since.

As a result of the assault, the officer sustained multiple facial injuries including a fractured cheekbone.

Police Constable Amy Edwards, Kent Police’s investigating officer, said: "Tesefay subjected an officer to a completely unprovoked attack.

"Despite his claims that he was acting in self-defence, CCTV clearly shows him initiating the assault and chasing after the officer to cause further harm.

"While every police officer accepts they will at times be exposed to volatile incidents, it is unacceptable for anyone to be attacked while they are doing their job."