A groundswell of public opinion after the conviction of a policeman for assault has resulted in him keeping his job.

Readers of the Southern Daily Echo flooded its website with comments to the court story and support for the officer.

He was given a conditional discharge for the offence by Andover magistrates and took a file of messages published by the newspaper to the police tribunal that would decide if he could remain on the force.

More than 200 messages were sent to the Newsquest-owned paper, which were used by the Police Federation to support his case.

PC Dan Turner said the support through hundreds of letters and e-mails had lifted his spirits and he hoped that senior police chiefs would see that he had not brought the force into disrepute.

After the hearing he said: “I feel it is only right to thank all of the Daily Echo readers who wrote letters offering their support.

“I was simply overwhelmed and feel I owe a lot to the public, the Daily Echo for the positive articles they have printed, and my police force which has supported me under difficult circumstances.”

Acting chief inspector Paul Robertson who represented PC Turner on behalf of the Police Federation, said: “We are tremendously grateful to the many members of the public whose support has definitely added weight to the mitigation in the case of Dan Turner.

“Under the circumstances Dan is very lucky – it is normal that if you have a criminal conviction you stand to lose your job. We are delighted with this outcome.”

Echo deputy editor Dave King said the paper had shown video footage of the original incident and reported fully on the court case.

He said: “As a news story we’ve run it quite heavily. As a result of that we’ve been getting so many comments.

“The Internet is a much more accessible platform for readers to give this kind of response to a story.

“What’s interesting is the level of support for the police. In the wider media they do get quite a raw deal on the whole.”

Despite the support from readers, the Echo has been reminding readers that the policeman involved now has a criminal record and any other offence in the next 12 months would be viewed seriously.

Dave said: “We said in our comment that he now has this conviction and has a record and that will stay with him. He did not live up to the high standards expected by Hampshire Constabulary and as such had to face their own tribunal.”