A MAN who assaulted two police officers in Bromsgrove has escaped jail for the time being – but will go to prison for 11 weeks if he reoffends or breaches an electronic curfew.

Ethan Van Aston, 21, of Boleyn Road, Frankley, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer and one charge of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a knuckle duster.

Kidderminster Magistrates Court handed out sentences totalling 11 weeks to Van Aston, but the jail terms have been suspended for 12 months.

He was sentenced to two prison terms – of eight weeks and four weeks, to be served concurrently, meaning only the longer term is served – for the assaults on PC Jackson and PC Osborne, which occurred in Bromsgrove on May 16.

Van Aston was also given an additional three-week sentence, again suspended, for being found to possess a knuckle duster in Minster Walk, Catshill, and fined a total of £400.

In addition, he was handed a 12-week electronic curfew that will last until September 7 and involves remaining at his home address and garden between 4pm and 6am each evening.

Chief Inspector Ed Hancox, of West Mercia Police, said: “This case shows that people who assault officers will be arrested, investigated and put before the court.

“West Mercia Police will not tolerate attacks on any emergency service personnel.”