A VIOLENT thug who punched a police officer into a radiator leaving him with staples in his head has been jailed.

Sam Langley was sent down for several years after being convicted of the attacks at Basildon Crown Court.

The 26-year-old of Harrington Road, Southend, had gone to Southend Police Station where officers realised there was a warrant out for his arrest.

Instead of complying, he launched his attack, which was caught on one of the officer's bodycam footage.

He refused to leave his cell to attend his trial for causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting emergency workers, and was convicted by a jury on September 22.

He was jailed for three years at the same court on October 14.

Det Con Rory Scarlett, who led the investigation, said: “Sam Langley carried out a violent attack on two officers as they tried to carry out their duties.

“He had an outstanding warrant against him but he seemed intent in not facing up to them.

“Instead he assaulted officers, leaving one of them with injuries that were serious.

“No-one goes to work expecting to be assaulted and police officers are no different.

“When this happens we will prosecute those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Langley arrived at the police station on August 12, 2019 as part of his parole conditions. He was told he had an outstanding warrant issued against him.

When two officers went to the station’s front counter to arrest Langley, he tried to walk past and leave.

One of the officers attempted to restrain Langley to stop him leaving and as he did Langley pushed him and punched him a number of times.

Langley then turned towards the other officer and punched him in the face causing him to fall backwards, hitting his head on the top edge of a radiator as he fell to the floor.

As the officers tried to restrain Langley, who was continuing to try to fight his way out, they were joined by several other officers who were able to restrain him and get him into handcuffs.

When in a holding cell, Langley also tried to spit at another officer and struck them in the face leading to him having to have a spit guard placed over his head.

The officer who had hit the radiator was taken to hospital for his injuries and required six staples to the back of his head as well as stitches to his lip.