A THUG who headbutted a policeman and stole his car with his dog still inside has been jailed for more than two years.

Tony Turner, 36, of Vincent Road, Dagenham, was handed a two and a half year jail sentence and banned from driving for eight and a half years at Chelmsford Crown Court today (March 17).

Turner was arrested by police after crashing a silver BMW in Pudding Lane, Chigwell on October 31, 2015 at 11:40pm.

After fleeing the scene, he was spotted by a patrol, who carried out a roadside breath test.

Turner then headbutted the police officer and punched him a number of times before stealing his car with the police dog still inside.

The vehicle was found in Romford, with the dog unharmed.

Turner was caught and arrested attempting to board a train to France on January 20, 2017.

The policeman was taken to hospital after suffering minor injuries.

Detectives found Turner’s DNA inside the police car, matching his breath test. He also had no driving licence or insurance.

Chief superintendent Trevor Roe said: “Turner carried out a violent assault, headbutting a police officer who was carrying out his duties to keep the people of Essex safe.

“We will not tolerate violence being used against our officers and I’m sure people across the county are as pleased as I am that Turner has been handed a substantial prison sentence and a driving ban that stretches close to a decade.”