A THUG who attacked a police officer has been spared a jail sentence.

Tyriq Lindon inflicted actual bodily harm on PC Andrew Dunkling in Crawley.

He was also found in possession of four small bags of cannabis.

The 20-year-old appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court, where he was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Lindon was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the officer.

He was also told to complete 200 hours’ unpaid community service for the attack, which happened in December 2018.

Lindon, of Cotton Walk, Crawley had previously denied the charge, but changed his plea to guilty.

He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation sessions and must go to the Attendance Centre for 36 hours to work with probation.