A POLICE officer who feared she would be killed during a “brutal” and “sickening” attack by a thug has been overwhelmed and humbled by messages of support.

Sergeant Kerry Lawrence was just trying to do her job when arresting Craig Radbourne, who launched into a vicious assault in Basingstoke, twice smashing her head on the pavement.

The terrifying attack was captured on the officer’s body-worn video, providing key evidence against 25-year-old Radbourne, who was jailed for 36 months last Friday.

Since the shocking footage was released, Sgt Lawrence, who is already back at work, has been “humbled” by the support she has received.

Speaking exclusively to The Gazette, she said: “I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from my family, friends, colleagues and members of the public since the footage was released on Friday.”

Sgt Lawrence added: “I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and gestures, it really is appreciated.”

Winchester Crown Court heard that Sgt Lawrence was “fortunate” to be alive following the unprovoked attack by Radbourne, formerly of Flaxfield Road, Brookvale.

Sgt Lawrence had been called to Church Square in the early hours of July 6 last year, to a report of a burglary in progress, the court heard.

She arrested Radbourne, who now lives in Buckinghamshire, on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. He was handcuffed and placed in her police vehicle.

But before back-up units arrived, he struck out at the officer and banged her head against the ground, before fleeing the scene.

Judge Evans said the attack on Sgt Lawrence, who was in the armed forces for seven years and has been with the police for a decade, was frightening.

She said: “She was distressed at how her family would react. She had difficulty sleeping and has been playing the incident over in her head. You took away her confidence.”

She added: “To bang someone’s head on the pavement is an incredibly dangerous act.”

Radbourne admitted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 36 months, with half to be served on licence.

After the hearing, John Apter, chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, said Sgt Lawrence had felt “justice had been done” and that it was her decision to release the footage, which he said showed the “reality of policing”.

He added: “She just wants to get on with her life and a job she’s very good at. She’s a great ambassador for the police.

“Kerry has been really overwhelmed by the level of support from colleagues across the country and members of the public.

“She has been sent a bunch of flowers from an officer in Yorkshire and there are dozens of messages and letters.

“She’s been a bit embarrassed by it and very humbled and grateful for all the messages of support.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Chief Inspector Simon Dodds, district commander for Basingstoke and Deane, said it was an absolute credit to Sgt Lawrence that she was back on full duties.

He added: “Across the country, police officers work extremely hard to keep their local communities safe. They come to work knowing that their job has an element of risk, as part of their duty to protect the public.

“However, assaulting an officer must never be seen as just part of the job. It is unacceptable. This was a disgusting attack on a member of my team, who works tirelessly to serve her community.

“I know it was an extremely traumatic experience for Sgt Lawrence and her family and it also had a significant impact on her team and others at Basingstoke police station.”

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