A Croydon man who assaulted a police officer while he was being detained has been jailed.

Junior Palmer, 55, punched a police officer "in the head and face" after he was brought into custody at Wandsworth police station by officers from the Met Police.

He had initially been detained after a traffic stop when police found discovered crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis after a search.

He was brought into custody after police found the drugs on July 30 following a similar incident back in March.

A spokesperson for the Met described what happened next:

"At the station, he became very angry when officers removed his watch, prior to him being taken to his cell.

"When his handcuffs were removed in the cell, he became aggressive and started swinging punches.

"He hit an officer in the head and face, and the panic alarm was set off, before he was restrained by two colleagues."

On Friday, November 6 at Kingston Crown Court, Palmer was sentenced for 13 charges including the assault, plus possession with intent to supply.

He was handed a jail term of 11 years and nine months to run concurrently.

He will serve up to five years and two months in prison.

Detective Constable David Picken, of South West BCU, said: “This is an example of completely brazen criminal behaviour, and as a result of proactive police work, Palmer will spend a reasonable period of time in prison.

"It further highlights the risk that police officers face and demonstrates that this behaviour is unacceptable and we will continue to pursue suitable charges as a result of those who assault emergency workers.''