WILTSHIRE'S police commissioner has criticised the sentence handed to a man who elbowed a police officer in the face.

A Swindon judge chose to defer sentencing Aaron Gleed for six months. He said the 29-year-old, who has a history of violence, could avoid a jail term if he stayed out of trouble.

Gleed, formerly of Frobisher Drive, had pleaded guilty to a 2017 affray in Swindon town centre, together with pal Jake Morgan. The second man, who had initially tried to stop the violence, was given a six month jail sentence suspended for 18 months.

Following the sentencing, Wiltshire police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson said: "I would question why a man with previous convictions has been given a deferred sentence. Why would you allow a man who has demonstrated no ability to stay out of trouble walk free?"

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The former magistrate added: “The officers in this case are hardworking public servants, going about their business protecting the public and putting themselves in danger everyday responding to incidents. They continuously run towards danger whilst others run away. They shouldn’t have to put up with being abused and attacked by members of the public.

“Wiltshire Police officers deserve respect and protection from those who choose to abuse them. I am pleased to say that the force is continuing to work on introducing additional measures to ensure that officers have increased protection and are adequately supported when they become victims themselves which I fully support."