Offenders who assault police officers are avoiding jail — despite having hundreds of previous convictions.

One male who walked free had an incredible 462 convictions or cautions — 31 of them for assaulting a police officer.

Another had 241 convictions, including 36 attacks on cops.

Shock figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal that a woman with 78 convictions and cautions — 31 for assaulting police — also got away without being jailed.

Tory MP Philip Davies — who uncovered the details through parliamentary questions — is appalled by the leniency shown to criminals. Last night he said Justice Secretary Ken Clarke "needs to sort this out". He added: "These yobs need to be locked up, not let off.

"Most people would expect someone who attacks a police officer to be sent to prison, "Yet these figures show thugs who have been convicted hundreds of times are not being jailed for a serious crime."

The figures follow the row last year over guidance given to police not to arrest louts who swear and hurl abuse at them.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: "It is time to restore behaviour, discipline, decency and respect for the rule of law."

He clashed with Mr Clarke — who claimed existing laws give cops enough protection.

Assaulting a PC carries a maximum sentence of six months. In the least serious cases, where there is no injury, offenders can get a community sentence or fine.