A police officer working on New Year's Eve got a punch on the nose from a mother trying to see her son in custody.

Sandra Madden, of Carmania Close, Shoebury, has been sent to prison after admitting assaulting a policeman.

Madden went to Southend police station when she heard her son had been arrested.

Earlier in the evening she had been ringing around hospitals and police stations to try to find him.

When she arrived at the police station she was refused access to see him and so punched the officer.

Stipendiary magistrate Kevin Gray heard the 33-year-old had been drinking before the attack.

Madden's solicitor, Lee Wilcockson, said: "She asked the officer 'if I punch you, will I be arrested?', meaning would she get to see her son. She was very embarrassed and remorseful.

"When faced with a difficult decision she makes the wrong choice."

Mr Gray said: "This officer was going about his business and the only protection the police have is these courts."

He then proceeded to sentence Madden to 28 days in jail.

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