A speeding driver who choked a police officer while smacking her head against a road has been jailed.

Darren Hector, 42, of Sealy Way, Apsley, also fractured another officer's cheekbone in a "shocking" attack in Hemel Hempstead on March 4.

The officers had pursued Hector from Watford after he sped past them in a BMW in Hempstead Road.

Hector weaved in and out of A41 traffic at 100mph before he crashed into a vehicle.

Police say Hector then got into the vehicle he crashed into and told the driver to move off, but the two officers who had pursued him managed to get him out of the car.

But Hector then launched a violent attack on both officers, first punching the male officer in the face causing a fractured cheekbone.

He then grabbed the female officer’s hair and repeatedly hit her head against the tarmac while choking her.

Her radio was also ripped from her police vest meaning she was unable to call for help.

Passers-by could see what was happening and with the police still being attacked, they stepped in to restrain Hector until more police units arrived.

Watford Observer:

The police were attacked on the A41 near the Hemel Hempstead turn off. Credit: Google Street View

He was arrested and his vehicle and house were later searched.

Police found a large quantity of Class A and B drugs and cash.

Hector pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm (GBH) without intent, actual bodily harm (ABH), possession with intent to supply class A drugs (two counts – cocaine and crack), possession of a class B drug (cannabis resin), dangerous driving, and possession of criminal property.

At Luton Crown Court on August 13, Hector was jailed for seven years and three months.

Detective Constable Joel Gill, from the Dacorum local crime unit, said: "This was a shocking and completely unwarranted attack on two police officers who were simply doing their job, trying to protect innocent members of the public from Hector’s erratic driving.

"Hector is clearly a violent and dangerous individual who had no qualms about using physical assault to try and evade the law. In his victim impact statement, the male officer told how he is still haunted by the screams of his female colleague as Hector launched his horrendous attack on her.

"They have since made full physical recoveries but the memory of this assault will understandably stay with them for a long time.

"I would like to commend the actions of all those members of the public who bravely answered the officers’ calls for help and came to their aid.

"Without their help, Hector may have caused even graver injuries to both constables.

"I hope his custodial sentence serves as closure for both officers and they can now move forward with their careers."