FOUR men who were involved in a brawl in Whittlesey which saw a police officer and his dog injured have been ordered to pay him a total of �850 compensation.

Peterborough Crown Court heard how Pc Spencer Lloyd and his dog Scooby had gone to Market Place to respond to reports of a fight at 1.30am on Sunday August 22 last year.

Four men had been involved in an altercation in the garden before fighting with door staff at the The George Hotel, owned by JD Wetherspoon, as they were thrown out of the pub.

The officer and his dog were repeatedly punched and kicked in the attack, near AA Car Sales in Eastgate, which was only halted when other officers arrived on the scene.

Gerald Bowles (52), of Haddon Way, Farcet, was sentenced to 39 weeks’ in prison, suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work and pay �500 compensation to Pc Lloyd and �150 to a member of staff. He was also banned from the pub for 12 months.

Carl Hodges (43), of Eastrea Road, Whittlesey, was given an eight week sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 140 hours’ unpaid work and pay �100 to the officer.

Michael Snitch (43), of Station Road, Whittlesey, was sentenced to 18 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 180 hours’ unpaid work. He must also pay �150 to the officer and is banned from the pub for 12 months.

Nigel Cooke (45), of Glebe Road, Peterborough, was ordered to complete 180 hours’ unpaid work and paid �100 compensation to the officer.

All four either admitted affray or threatening behaviour during the incident which left Pc Lloyd with cuts and bruises and his dog shaken.

Det Con Tade Toseland said: “This was a nasty incident where a gang of people turned on the dog handler who was simply doing his job.

“We’re glad they have been brought to justice and the suspended sentences hanging over them means they will have to stay out of trouble for the next two years.”

Pc Lloyd and the six-year-old dog have both since returned to work.