A POLICE officer has been off duty for eight months after he was barged over a fence by the brother of a man being arrested.

Michael Dagge, 33, of Roman Road, Taunton, who also attacked a special constable, was ordered to pay PC Paul Walker £1,000 compensation for his injuries and was given two suspended jail sentences when he appeared at Taunton Crown Court today (Friday).

The court heard that six police officers called to reports of criminal damage in a house in Moorland Road at 1am on May 21 last year were faced with "disorderly behaviour and lack of information given".

Ashley Dagge, Michael's brother, was removed from the house and restrained with a view to being arrested, according to Harry Ahuja, prosecuting.

He added: "PC Walker was leaning against a gate. Michael Dagge attended, barged past the officer, causing him to fall over a fence and lose his balance. He had an excruciating pain in his right knee and was unable to stand.

"Michael Dagge was then restrained by the other officers and he kicked out at a special constable, causing him pain and minor injuries to his body and elbow."

PC Walker's knee required stapling at hospital and he is still in pain and unable to work, the court was told.

During police interview, Dagge said he could not recall the attacks, but apologised and later admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm and common assault at Taunton Magistrates' Court.

Patrick Mason, defending, said Dagge, a father of two whose partner is expecting his third child in April, had not previously been convicted of any offences as an adult and added that his behaviour was down to his being drunk.

Mr Mason said Dagge suffers from a debilitating and restrictive condition that causes epileptic seizures on a weekly basis, rarely goes out and goes to bed at 7pm most nights.

Ordering Dagge, who spends around £25 a week on alcohol at Allstars Sports Bar, PC Walker £1,000, Judge David Ticehurst told him: "You can stop drinking and pay compensation to the officer."

The judge sentenced him to eight months' prison for assaulting PC Walker and a month (concurrent) for attacking the special constable. Both sentences were suspended for two years.

The judge added: "Have a word with your family. When police officers come round, they should welcome them in with courtesy and open arms and say, 'We're very pleased to see you officer. Thank you for coming'."