A VIOLENT thug who punched a female police officer so hard she was left with an “imprint” of his first on her face has been jailed.

Ryan Seymour, 33, attacked officers in two separate incidents - the first on Southend seafront and then again at his home in Westcliff.

In Marine Parade, following an argument with his ex-partner, Seymour headbutted one officer and punched him in the face as he was being restrained.

He then grabbed a female officer by the back of her head, punching her in the face and leaving “an imprint of his fist” on her cheek.

He was arrested and as officers took him to a van, he threatened to kill them and continued to lash out.

Seymour, of Cranley Road, Westcliff, was involved in a second attack on police where he attempted to strangle an officer.

Philippa Page, prosecuting, said: “Mr. Seymour was released on bail and officers were called to his address on December 9.

“Four officers attended and tried to speak to him concerning a disturbance but Mr. Seymour became aggressive immediately and attempted to leave.

“He was detained tried to punch one officer in the face but missed, Seymour was detained before breaking free and wrapping his hands round one officers neck to strangle him.

“Mr Seymour was taken to hospital and kicked another officer in his groin, also attempting to bite the another officer.”

Seymour was arrested again and taken to the police station where he gave no comment during interview.

Christopher Martin mitigated for Seymour in court.

He said: “This is a difficult mitigation exercise because I think we all and Mr Seymour appreciate just how unattractive this type of offending is.

“Mr Seymour suffers from mental health issues including anxiety and depression, he’s been taking medication for six years and tells me he’s never had counselling or assistance for his mental health.”

On Friday, recorder Robert Dedman handed Seymour a total sentence of one year and two months for the six counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of attempting strangulation.