Policeman who assaulted woman in cell is jailed

A police sergeant who injured a woman when he assaulted her in a cell was jailed for six months yesterday.

Sgt Mark Andrews was caught on CCTV dragging Pamela Somerville, 59, across the floor of Melksham police station in Wiltshire before shoving her into the cell.

Passing sentence at Oxford magistrates' court, Deputy District Judge Peter Greenfield said Andrews had abused his position of trust.

He said: "In my view, you presided over an atmosphere of bullying and intimidation upon Ms Somerville which culminated in the cell later that morning."

The judge continued: "I regard that a gross breach of trust placed upon you by Ms Somerville.

"I consider that right-thinking members of the public will be appalled and totally saddened by your actions as a police officer."

Ms Somerville was arrested in July 2008 after being found asleep in her car. She was detained for failing to provide a sample for a breath test.

Andrews, 37, was convicted in July of assault causing actual bodily harm.