This was a very nasty attack. Had the assault taken place at Dover the charge would have been a different one, at least assault causing actual bodily harm.

Customs and Excise spokesman Nigel Knott

Customs and Excise spokesman Nigel Knott said after the hearing the case had prompted a review of the law at Coquelles.

He said: "This was a very nasty attack. Had the assault taken place at Dover the charge would have been a different one, at least assault causing actual bodily harm.

"We would welcome a change in the law because assaults of this nature are very traumatic for the officer concerned and also for their colleagues."

The court heard how on 7 May last year, Taylor was returning to the UK via the Channel Tunnel when stopped in his van by Mr Swaffer at Coquelles.

Van searched

Although the terminal falls under British jurisdiction, under terms drawn up when the tunnel was opened, not all UK law applies.

Customs officers planned to bring a charge of assault causing grievous bodily harm against Taylor, but he could eventually only be charged under the Customs and Excise Management Act, 1979.

Alison Robins, prosecuting, said: "Under current Customs and Excise legislation this was the only way the defendant could be charged with this matter because of the location of the offence. We could not charge him under the Offences to the Persons Act."

A search of Taylor's van revealed 12 kilos of rolled tobacco, 400 cigarettes and 252 litres of beer.

Mr Swaffer has since returned to duty.