THREE men who attacked police officers in a brawl in Whittlesey have been spared jail - but they must pay compensation to their victims.

Two officers tried to stop the trio attacking a pub doorman after they were asked to leave the George Hotel on the evening of March 3, last year.

But Philip Rawlings, 45, of Station Road, Whittlesey, David Rawlings, 51, of Swallow Close, Whittlesey, and Michael Pulford, 30, of Horsegate Lane, Whittlesey, turned on the officers.

The men had followed the doorman into Market Place where the police moved in.

When the brawl continued, two passing off-duty officers came to their colleagues aid and, despite their injuries, both officers were able to make several arrests at the scene.

All three men were found guilty of affray on Wednesday following a week-long trial at Peterborough Crown Court. Philip Rawlings was also convicted of common assault on one of the officers.

Philip Rawlings was sentenced to 46 weeks’ imprisonment, the other two were given 36 weeks - with all three sentences suspended for two years.

Two other men were cleared of affray by the jury.

The trio were ordered to pay a total of £1,500 to the two officers and each of them must pay £1,400 court costs.

Detective Constable Ahmed Ishaq said: “Officers should be able to carry out their duties without being subjected to this type of violence.

“The officers involved in this incident showed great bravery confronting the group and continuing to ensure the safety of the doorman despite being assaulted themselves.”