A man who broke a police officer’s ankle by deliberately falling on him has been spared jail.

Thomas Sullivan of Davison Drive, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on May 17.

The 35-year-old has been made subject to a 24-month supervision order after being found guilty of the serious assault against a police officer.

On December 17, 2020, officers were called to a report of a domestic incident in East Grafton, Burbage.

On arrival, Sullivan was found inside the property by officers and became verbally abusive. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

While being removed from the property, Sullivan became physically obstructive, deliberating falling on an officer’s leg, breaking his ankle. 

He then kicked out at an officer, making contact but causing no injury.

Sullivan was convicted of section 20 grievous bodily harm without intent by a jury in his absence.

DS Toni Nugent of CID said: “Sullivan’s aggressive behaviour and irresponsible actions unfortunately caused a nasty injury to a serving police officer.

“Assaults against officers will not be tolerated and we will ensure that any perpetrators who bring harm to any members of the Force will be brought to justice.”