A BRAVE police officer has been praised for pursuing a thug after being punched in the head as he lay on the floor.

PC Alexander Ferguson was called to flats in North Place, Brighton, after Lawrence Hughes was heard shouting and banging on doors there.

When the officer arrived he found smashed glass, and on a balcony overlooking a laundry area he found 29-year-old Hughes dozing.

The officer tried to rouse Hughes and place him under arrest on suspicion of criminal damage.

But he was then attacked by Hughes, who kicked his leg to put him to the floor and punched him in the head and chest.

Read more on this story: 'Spiteful' thug kicked officer to the floor and punched him in the head

Hughes threw away the officer’s radio to stop him calling for help.

Video footage from the incident in April showed the terrifying attack on PC Ferguson, who said: “I felt scared for my own safety.”

But after Hughes got away and fled, PC Ferguson chased after him and helped make the arrest.

Footage showed other officers looking concerned about him and saying he appeared shaken by the incident.

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Hughes, of Southover Street, Brighton, was jailed for one year for the attack when he admitted assault at Lewes Crown Court.

PC Ferguson said: “I didn’t come to work to be assaulted or to be injured. This was a violent and vicious attack.

“I felt scared for my own safety. I believed that had he continued to attack me he would have caused me further injury and harm.

“It meant I needed care from NHS staff and colleagues at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and had to take four days off work, which added pressure to other officers.

“This was an unprovoked attack that no one should ever have to endure.”

The Argus:

Lawrence Hughes was jailed

Judge Mark Van Der Zwart praised the officer.

He said: “The officer did his duty all despite the risk to himself of serious injury or infection with coronavirus. PC Ferguson showed outstanding courage, determination and dedication.

“This was a sustained assault on a police officer doing his public duty and doing his job during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Police officers have a vital role in maintaining law and order and protecting us all. They are not there to be abused and assaulted. It is not part and parcel of their job.

“Those who think they can attack the police should understand the offences will be met with an immediate custodial sentence.”

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