A motorist who dragged a police officer along the road when he tried to carry out a spot check has admitted causing grievous bodily harm.

At Lewes Crown Court yesterday Clive Anness, 32, also admitted driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.

Sentence was adjourned until July 3 and Anness was remanded in custody.

Sergeant David Tye was carrying out routine checks on cars in Queens Road, Crowborough, on the night of January 29 when he flagged down a Peugeot 405 driven by Anness.

When the car failed to stop the officer was dragged along the road, clinging to the bonnet for several metres before being flung to the ground at the junction of Queens Road and Church Street.

Sgt Tye escaped with just cuts, bruising and a fractured ankle.

At the time, he said he was saved by his sturdy bobby's boots, which glided across the ground "like waterskis".

The court heard Anness, of Buckles Lane, South Ockenden, Essex, had 47 previous convictions, including driving offences.

Danny Robinson, defending, said Anness had undergone a religious conversion shortly before the incident and had bought the car he was driving from a member of the church.

Sgt Tye, in his 30s, joined Sussex police's Crowborough division last summer after serving in Eastbourne and Hailsham.