A MAN whose unprovoked attack on a policewoman left her with whiplash has been jailed for three months.

Gawain Murtough attacked WPC Rachael Bagnall as she was on duty in the John Street area of Swindon in the early hours of Saturday, May 10.

Murtough, 33, had been drinking for six hours when he struck her in the face with his hand.

Prosecutor Simon Brench-ley told a district judge sitting at Swindon Magistrates' Court that officers were outside the Kasbah pub at about 1.20am.

He said: "They were monitoring people in that area when they saw a female running past towards a kebab van.

"She was saying 'Help me please' and was closely followed by a male. That was this defendant. WPC Bagnall followed and saw her again, closely followed by the male."

Mr Brenchley said WPC Bagnall asked Murtough what was happening.

He added: "The officer said: 'He simultaneously struck out with his right arm and hit me to the left side of the jaw with his open hand, which caused my head to go back sharply'."

The court heard that the officer was left in pain but regained her composure and detained Murtough with the help of colleagues.

Five officers were needed to handcuff Murtough, who was then put into a police vehicle.

Mr Brenchley said: "The police's action was hampered because of a large group who had gathered and who were hostile towards the police."

He said WPC Bagnall looked about for the woman who was being chased could not find her. The officer reported a headache, whiplash and a painful neck as a result of the attack.

When questioned, Murtough said that he had been drinking since 7.30pm on the Friday night and could remember nothing of what had happened.

Murtough, of Hythe Road, Old Town, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer. The court heard that he had a string of previous convictions.

Rob Ross, defending, said that his client realised that he faced the prospect of custody, bearing in mind his record.

In the past, said Mr Ross, his client had been put on a probation order which was revoked because of his good progress.

He added: "Unfortunately there was no group work done within that order.

"It is abundantly apparent when you speak to this man that every so often he goes out and gets too drunk and can't control himself."

Mr Ross told the court that his client had two children from a previous relationship and paid £30 a week in maintenance for them.

He said Murtough worked as a machinist for Readers' Digest, took home £200 a week and paid £60 to his mother for board and lodgings.

Jailing him, District Judge Katharine Marshall said "You showed a complete disregard for police authority. Police officers are entitled to protection from these courts and will get it."