A thug who punched a policewoman has avoided jail after pleading guilty at Croydon Magistrates Court.

Jonathan Turner of St Benet's Grove, Carshalton had been stopped by the officer who wanted to speak with him about an outstanding matter in Wrythe Lane on Monday, June 22.

As she approached the 22-year-old he was asked to confirm his name. He pulled away, but the officer grabbed his coat to stop him from running.

Turner then punched the officer in the face.

He punched the officer a second time before breaking free and ran away shortly after 1.30pm.

Police later found Turner hiding in the garden of a house nearby and was arrested.

The officer suffered swelling to her right cheek and a cut finger.

At Croydon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 15, Turner was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work to be carried out within the next 12 months after pleading guilty to assault by beating.

Turner was also ordered to pay £495 in costs and compensation.