A CHARD policeman was stabbed in the leg with broken glass on Sunday night as officers tried to tackle a suspected drink-driver in the town centre.

The incident happened just before 8pm in the Fore Street/Essex Close area.

James Hine, 32, of Park Street, Chard, was arrested at the scene and charged with causing grievous bodily harm, resisting arrest, criminal damage, driving while under the influence of alcohol, using a vehicle without insurance or an MOT and driving without a full licence.

He appeared before South Somerset Magistrates Court in Yeovil on Tuesday morning and was remanded in custody until appearing before the Crown Court in Taunton on Monday, December 1, after making no plea.

An application for conditional bail was refused by Yeovil magistrates.

The officer injured in the incident, who has not been named, is said to be ‘recovering’ after needing seven stitches in his leg.

A spokesman at Chard Police Station told the News: “He is injured but doing fine and is hoping to return to work soon.”