A drug dealer who attacked and seriously injured a police chief has been jailed for five years and four months.

Ayoub Benhammwu, of Lisson Grove, St John’s Wood, was found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm and two counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, January 8.

He was remanded in custody and appeared at the same court for sentencing last Thursday, March 15.

The court heard how in August 2016, temporary Det Ch Supt Raffaele D’Orsi, borough commander of Kensington & Chelsea police, and PC Paul Maher were patrolling in Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill. They spotted Benhammwu –who had arrived at the scene on a moped – acting suspiciously peering through a flat window.

But Benhammwu fled on foot after the officers challenged him. He was pursued by Det Ch Supt D’Orsi on foot and by moped, whilst PC Maher gave chase in a vehicle.

Benhammwu was tackled by Det Chf Supt D’Orsi at the junction of Arundel Gardens and Ladbroke Grove.

In a struggle Benhammwu kicked the officer three times, dislocating his shoulder and knocking him to the ground unconscious.

The 22-year-old was detained after PC Maher and members of the public stepped in.

A quantity of herbal cannabis along with cannabis resin was found on Benhammwu following a body search.

He was arrested and charged two days later. Benhammwu must serve a minimum of two years and four months behind bars.

Temporary Det Ch Supt Raffaele D’Orsi said: “I would like to thank those members of the community, local colleagues and specialist trained firearms officers who came to my colleague’s aid when I was kicked unconscious during this attack.

“Policing is very much about working with communities to reduce harm. I know that had it not been for the help of members of the community, PC Maher might not have detained Benhammwu, a moped enabled violent drug dealer.

“We are also very grateful for those public witnesses who came forward to give evidence of the attack that I was subjected to. Without their help, we would not have been able to secure this conviction today,” he added.