A man who attacked several police officers after suffering a medical emergency in Epsom has been sentenced.

Daniel Willis, 29, of Chessington Road, pleaded guilty to eight counts of assault by beating an emergency worker – namely police officers – in court this week (January 23).

He also admitted to two counts of criminal damage and one count of theft, before being handed an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Willis was also given a three-month curfew, active between 7pm and 5am, and ordered to carry out 30 days’ rehabilitation activity.

Epsom and Ewell police say they were called to the Ruxley Lane area shortly after 8pm on January 12 earlier this month.

This was following reports he had jumped out a first-floor window before entering a Texaco petrol station and causing “substantial damage” by throwing about various items.

He was restrained by officers on the scene “for his own safety and for the safety of those around him”, a spokesman for the force said, as he was believed to be suffering a medical emergency.

But after paramedics were called to the scene several officers were attacked while they restrained him.

Police have not expanded on what the medical emergency the man suffered was.

Willis was arrested and later charged after he was released from hospital, while the officers involved have returned to duties after recovering from their injuries.

Debbie Crouch, East Surrey Detective Chief Inspector, said: “We will not tolerate any of our officers or staff being assaulted during the course of their duties.

“The officers who were called to deal with Mr Willis were faced with an extremely challenging and prolonged situation, in which their primary concern was ensuring Mr Willis received the emergency medical care he was believed to need.

DCI Crouch added: "They all acted with the utmost professionalism. They have all received treatment for their injuries and are back on frontline duties.”