Head-butt officer faces sack over phone row

A POLICE officer commended for his bravery faces the sack after head-butting a 999 worker in a “phone rage” row.

David Sanderson clashed with ambulance service dispatcher Donya Bryant after he claimed he saw her friend using a mobile while driving.

The off-duty sergeant was wearing a crash helmet when he butted her.

Yesterday Sanderson vowed to appeal as he was sentenced for assault at Worthing magistrates court, West Sussex. He was also ordered to pay £1,600. He is almost certain to be sacked after 23 years of exemplary service. The former soldier has won two bravery commendations for disarming armed suspects.

The court heard how Sanderson, 45, was at a garage last June in the town of Chandler’s Ford, Hants, when he spotted Ms Bryant and her friend Nadia Aziz in a Ford Fiesta. He insisted he saw both women using a mobile phone. Sanderson “recklessly” pursued the Fiesta, revving his engine and sounding his horn. Ms Bryant got out and explained the phone was hands-free, then told Sanderson to “**** off”. Sanderson demanded: “What are you going to do about it?” She replied: “Probably kill you, the mood I’m in.” He then head-butted Ms Bryant.

Paul Fairley, defending, said: “There is an awful lot of weight riding on this, including an inevitable dismissal.”

Magistrate Marley Isaac said: “It is disappointing that you as an officer did not act appropriately.”