A MAN who suffered horrific injuries from CS spray in a clash with police has been sent to prison for three months for his part in the incident and a series of assaults.

Daniel Ford, 21, a gardener from Wareham, was sentenced on Thursday at Bournemouth Magistrates Court for a drunken attack on three men in his home town in December.

It was a second incident on January 19, when officers used CS spray to control him, that grabbed headlines.

Ford suffered such a severe reaction to the spray that he spent almost two weeks at Salisbury District Hospital's Odstock burns unit, where staff feared he may be scarred for life. Although he has recovered from the injuries, he must avoid direct sunlight for the next year.

The officer used the spray after Ford tried to interfere with the arrest of one of his friends outside the Red Lion hotel in Wareham.

Simon Jones, defending, said: "The officer in question has confirmed the spray was held just a foot away from Daniel's face, and police guidelines are clear it should not be less than three feet away unless life is at risk.

"Nor did he receive any medical attention after being arrested."

Ford is pursuing a civil case against the police.

Magistrates jailed him for two weeks for his interference in the arrest.

Passing sentence, magistrate Valerie Watson said: "A police officer should be able to carry out his duties without interference."

That sentence will run alongside those for attacks on Matthew and David Wheeler on December 4 as they walked home from the Spar in Carey Road, Wareham.

Tessa Cordi, prosecuting, said: "Mr Ford and a friend approached them and asked for their names. Mr Ford then head-butted David in the face and attacked him on the ground."

The victims were followed to a friend's house where the fight continued. Another man became involved and was attacked by Ford.

Concurrent sentences, ranging from one to three months were given for the three charges of assault by beating.

Ford admitted all the charges.

It was noted that his interference with police occurred just three days after being bailed for the assault charges.

Mrs Watson said: "These were sustained, vicious attacks, fuelled by drink and totally unprovoked."

First published: April 7, 2006