Policewoman was bitten by refugee

Swindon Magistrates Court heard how Kuda Kujeke, 24, who arrived in the country in December 2001 from Zimbabwe had attacked the officer on July 20.

At an earlier hearing, magistrates found Kujeke guilty of attacking the officer.

Magistrates heard on Monday that police were called to Kujeke's home in Thornford Way, Westlea, when he threatened to jump from his bedroom window after breaking up with his girlfriend.

Marion Langford, prosecuting, said: "The defendant had been drinking. He had also taken a number of pain-killing tablets.

"The ambulance crew decided he needed to go to hospital so he was taken downstairs. The woman police officer escorted him into the ambulance and travelled with him to hospital."

During the journey Kujeke became violent, said Mrs Langford.

"He tried to stand up in the ambulance and grabbed the officer's arm," she said.

"The defendant thought the officer was his ex-girlfriend.

"A few seconds later he started to lash out and said he wanted to get out of the ambulance. The officer restrained him."

When the ambulance arrived at the hospital, Kujeke again became aggressive and a seat belt, used to restrain him, was broken. It was then a nurse noticed the officer had been bitten, prompting the arrest.

Roger Jones, defending, said Kujeke remembered little about the incident, but had since apologised to the injured officer. Mr Jones said: "My client came to this country in 2001. At the time of this incident he had never made a nuisance of himself before.

"On the day in question Mr Kujeke's relationship had faded into nothing. It was the combination of drink, pain-killing tablets and general upset that caused this incident.

"He did not intend to harm the officer."

Sentencing, chair of the bench Graham Woodward told Kujeke: "We believe your actions were impulsive. We have decided to grant a 100 hour community punishment order."

Kujeke was also ordered to pay £50 compensation.

Kevin Shoesmith