Man Jailed After Punching Police Dog During Arrest in Peacehaven

Officer and dog praised for bravery after violent struggle A man has been jailed for six months after breaching a restraining order and violently attacking a police officer and a police dog in Peacehaven. Craig Bryden, 32, of Westbourne Villas, Hove, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 19 May, where he was sentenced for multiple […]

Officer and dog praised for bravery after violent struggle

A man has been jailed for six months after breaching a restraining order and violently attacking a police officer and a police dog in Peacehaven.

Craig Bryden, 32, of Westbourne Villas, Hove, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 19 May, where he was sentenced for multiple offences including breaching a restraining order, assaulting an emergency worker, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Bryden had been banned from contacting a specific victim in Peacehaven, but just two months after the restraining order was issued, he returned to the address, prompting a police search on 5 December.

During the search, Police Dog Hox, a six-year-old German Shepherd, located Bryden. In an attempt to evade arrest, Bryden punched PD Hox in the face, then continued to flee. Despite the attack, Hox and his handler PC Gareth Evers continued the pursuit.

Bryden later kicked PD Hox in the head and assaulted PC Evers before being detained and arrested.

Court Outcome

Bryden was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to pay £154 in costs. He had also faced a charge of causing grievous bodily harm, but was found not guilty of that offence.

Police Praise Hero Dog and Handler

Speaking after the case, PC Gareth Evers said:

“Hox is a very committed Police Dog who loves to work. He continued to engage the violent offender and defend me, even after being punched and kicked. I’m pleased the court recognised the harm caused to a protected animal.”

Inspector Matt Songhurst from the Surrey and Sussex Police Dogs Unit added:

“Our police dogs are as vital as any officer in keeping communities safe. It is completely unacceptable for any of our force—human or canine—to be assaulted while doing their duty.
We welcome the custodial sentence imposed in this case.”

Sussex Police reiterated their commitment to protecting both officers and animals in the line of duty.