A MAN has been jailed for almost six months after strangling a police officer in a Bromsgrove pub.

James Bateman, 23, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency services worker and was sentenced to 24 weeks in jail at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Monday (February 10).

Bateman, of no fixed address, was also ordered to pay £150 compensation.

He assaulted the officer as they attempted to restrain him at the Golden Lion pub in Austin Road, Charford, on Saturday afternoon (February 8) at around 5pm.

Police had attended the pub after receiving a call raising concerns around Bateman’s behaviour.

The officer did not require hospital treatment but was cared for by ambulance staff for injuries to his throat and face.

Chief Inspector Edward Hancox said: “Whilst we go into the role of a police officer knowing there is a risk of violence the reality of incidents like this never fails to shock.

“Our frontline officers are the people our communities look to to keep them safe and secure and assaults such as this will simply not be tolerated.

"I’m pleased the seriousness of this incident has been reflected by the custodial sentenced issued at court yesterday.”