A MAN who broke a police constable’s jaw in what officers said was a ‘cowardly and despicable’ attack was jailed today.

Demitre Clarke-Oliver, punched PC Raymond Tse in the face as he was arresting Clarke-Oliver’s brother in Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, on October 1.

Oxford police commander, Supt Joe Kidman, said the attack was ‘cowardly and despicable’. He added: “This is a sobering reminder of the risk our officers willingly take every day to keep our city safe.”

The unprovoked attack at 3.20am broke PC Tse’s jaw in two places, Oxford Crown Court was told.

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Demitre Clarke-Oliver is seen punching PC Raymond Tse before running away from police 

But despite pain and his mouth filling with blood, PC Tse went ‘beyond his duty’ to assist other officers in arresting the 24-year-old after he sprinted down Hythe Bridge Street and took a boxer’s stance in the middle of the road.

Clarke-Oliver was then sprayed in his face and arrested himself.

Sentencing Clarke-Oliver, of Kennet Walk, Reading, for two years behind bars, Recorder Sailesh Mehta said PC Tse’s actions were courageous and showed a level of ‘bravery’.

Recorder Mehta said at the time of the attack, PC Tse was ‘clearly looking in a different direction’, when Clarke-Oliver (pictured below) ‘launched his punch towards him’.

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He added Clarke-Oliver’s actions had an ‘serious effect’ on the officer’s life, which could last for years - ‘if not forever’.

Recorder Mehta said: “It is clear from the video that the officers had told him that he should not remain in the vicinity.

“There was even a threat that he would be sprayed if he continued his actions. He continued interfering with what the officers were lawfully doing. He took an aim when he knew or might have known that the officer could not have done anything to protect himself from that punch.”

Recorder Mehta added a ‘one-punch scenario’ could lead to serious injury or even death and said PC Tse had suffered a loss of feeling in parts of his jaw.

The court heard how Clarke-Oliver was on bail for an offence of battery - which was committed at the Henley Regatta in July - at the time he punched PC Tse. He also had an earlier conviction in 2008.

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Clarke-Oliver is seen running away from police along Hythe Bridge Street

Prosecuting Cathy Olliver said the defendant pleaded guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm at the earliest opportunity.

She added after he was punched, PC Tse did not respond to the pain which later became ‘excruciating’.

Ms Olliver said: “His teeth were displaced. He is not returning to work until January.”

Friends and family of Clarke-Oliver broke down in tears and he gave them a thumbs up on his way down to the cells.

Supt Joe Kidman said at the court the attack was ‘cowardly and despicable’.

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He is then tackled to the ground and arrested 

He added: “Being attacked and seriously injured should never be considered an occupational hazard to serving the public as a police officer.

“The blind side punch broke PC Tse’s jaw in two places and he has suffered a great deal of pain and discomfort with typical fortitude and bravery”

Defence barrister, Graeme Logan said Clarke-Oliver wanted to apologise in person to PC Tse for his actions, adding the defendant ‘became tearful’ when he heard the victim impact statement.

He added: “He recognises the harm and the pain and the upset that he has caused to PC Tse and his family.

"He has genuine remorse. He is deeply ashamed."