A DRUG dealer offered cannabis to an off-duty policeman then knocked over a pensioner as he attempted to flee.

Abbas Ahmad knocked over the 82-year-old woman, who hit her head on the back of a scaffolding pole in London Road, Brighton.

The 38-year-old had offered drugs to the police officer in York Place before the officer identified himself.

He bolted towards London Road and was pursued.

Ahmad then knocked over the woman, who hit her head and was left bleeding on the pavement.

When caught for a second time, he tried to bite the officer, but it is understood he was sat on by workmen who came to help detain him.

At Hove Crown Court Ahmad was sentenced to 14 months in prison after admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply, assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

It was revealed that after his arrest, he had a stash tin with 11 small bags of the class B drug and some cash.

Ahmad, a restaurateur of no fixed address, answered no comment to all questions in his interview.

Chief Superintendent Nick May said: “I’d like to thank the compassionate members of public who immediately went to check on the welfare of the 82-year-old woman and phoned an ambulance for her. She was unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, however I am glad she has made a speedy recovery.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the individuals who positively responded to the requests of my officer for assistance.

“Ahmad was determined to escape, and actively and aggressively resisted the officer, who was off duty and without any personal protective equipment.

“It is incredibly reassuring to my officers when members of the community bravely step forward to assist them in situations like this, especially considering the numerous high profile serious and tragic cases of violence against police officers across the UK recently.

“While I am extremely grateful for their support, I would urge individuals against taking action which they feel could put themselves at risk of harm.

“We also take assaults against our officers and staff incredibly seriously.

“The positive intervention of the public here helped to ensure that in this case, my officer was not injured and we were able to detain and arrest this individual and bring him to justice.”