Man jailed for six months for breaching restraining order and attacking police dog

A man has been jailed for six months after breaching a restraining order and attacking a police dog.

32 year old Craig Bryden of Westbourne Villas, Hove, had been issued with an order not to contact the victim in Peacehaven.

A six-year-old German Shepherd Police Dog, caught up to Bryden, who tried to evade arrest and punched the dog in the face.

Bryden then assaulted PC Evers and kicked PD Hox in the head, but he was safely detained and arrested on suspicion of breaching a restraining order, assaulting an emergency worker, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Speaking after the case PC Gareth Evers said: “Hox is a very committed Police Dog who loves to work.

“He continued to engage the violent offender and defend me, even after being punched and kicked.

“I am pleased the Court have recognised the harm to protected animal legislation in their sentencing”

Inspector Matt Songhurst from the Surrey and Sussex Dogs Unit said: “PC Evers and PD Hox showed great determination to ensure that Bryden was safely arrested, demonstrating their professionalism and teamwork.

“Our police dogs are as important to the force as any of our officers, performing a wide range of duties to keep our communities safe.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for any member of our force to be attacked while carrying out their duties. It should not be seen as simply part of the job.

“We welcome the custodial sentence imposed by the court in this case.”