AN off-duty policeman who pulled a man out of a car by his neck has been given a community order by magistrates.

PC Ian Collis, who works in Lewisham, was arrested following the attack in Crofton Road, Locksbottom, on November 16.

The 45-year-old, of State Farm Avenue, Farnborough, was visibly shaken and upset as he stood in the dock at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today (July 21).

Magistrates heard how Collis’s actions had left his victim with red marks and bruising around their neck.

In mitigation, lawyer Alistair Williamson told the court how his client had been injured whilst in the course of duty and was suffering psychological issues after the death of his father, for which he had refused counselling.

Mr Williamson, who submitted letters of commendation for his client, said: “His actions that day were clearly, if you look at the letters, completely out of character and he, in his own words, lost it.”

But he added: “That again doesn’t justify what he did.”

The court was told that Collis has suffered a “fall from grace” and was “going to lose everything”, with an upcoming disciplinary hearing expected to cost him his job.

Magistrate Tom Johnson told Collis he had committed a “nasty attack” and gave him a 12-month community order and along with 120 hours of unpaid work.

The policeman must also pay £100 in compensation and £685 to cover legal costs.

He had previously been found guilty on June 17 of one count of common assault.