News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A policeman jailed for assault after being caught on CCTV throwing a woman into a cell is back on full pay.

Sergeant Mark Andrews, 37, was filmed dragging Pamela Somerville, 57, through a station in an attack which left her needing stitches to a cut above her eye.

The former soldier was jailed for six months for assault occasioning actual bodily harm but was released on bail after just six days this week pending an appeal. Now, papers released for a police meeting revealed Andrews, who was not being paid while he was in jail, is back "on full pay while suspended pending the outcome of a conduct hearing".

Ms Somerville, now 59, was held for failing to provide a breath test after being found asleep in her car but denied any wrongdoing.

The charges were later dropped.

She called the assault in Melksham station in Wiltshire in 2008 an "horrific nightmare". Judge Peter Greenfield said Andrews had abused police trust and only custody was appropriate.

Andrews' appeal will be heard at Oxford crown court on November 15, with the police conduct hearing set for the same month.