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A gunman who viciously attacked a police officer before dragging him into a brook and holding his head under water has been jailed.

Officers pulled over Calvert Batchelor as part of a routine traffic operation in Walsall’s Becott Retail Centre after they noticed a number plate was missing from his VW Golf.

Calvert suddenly bolted on foot when they discovered a loaded handgun in the driver’s side door pocket during a search.

(Image: WMP)

Batchelor, from Alma Street, Newtown, ran down a brook and into a closed tunnel − and then turned on pursuing PC Paul Newman on realising he’d reached a dead-end.

The 37-year-old lunged at the brave officer, gouging at his eyes and grabbing inside his mouth with such force that he punctured a hole under his tongue.

During the struggle both men fell into the brook where Batchelor forced PC Newman’s head under water.

The traffic officer − who has worked with West Midlands Police for 20 years − later told how he feared for his life.

(Image: WMP)

PC Newman and a colleague eventually managed to detain Batchelor and handcuff him on the banks of the brook.

Ballistics experts examined the gun and discovered it was a Glock-style blank-firing pistol which had been illegally modified to fire live rounds.

Batchelor admitted possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition, plus wounding, and was jailed for nine years and four months at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

PC Newman is continuing his recovery from the attack which happened on July 17 and is yet to return to his duties.

Chief Inspector Rachel Joyce from the Central Motorway Police Group(CMPG), said: “This was a grotesque, violent attack on a brave police officer. PC Newman suffered nasty facial injuries and is still managing the long term psychological impact of being involved in such a traumatic incident.

“Attacks like this are totally unacceptable and we will always push for the toughest possible penalty against anyone who abuses our staff.

“I’m glad the courts have recognised the severity of this incident and handed Batchelor a long jail term.

“We all wish Paul the very best in his continued recovery and hope to welcome him back to the police family when he is ready.”