Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
02
May
Knaresborough man labelled ‘most violent person ever encountered’ by police officer, court hears
A Knaresborough man was described as the most violent person a police officer had ever encountered, a court heard on Thursday (May 1).
Maciej Olejczuk, of Charlton Grove, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court charged with five offences – all of which he pleaded guilty to.
He admitted one count of being drunk and disorderly in a public place and four counts of assaulting an emergency worker by beating.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court a number of police officers were called to an address in Knaresborough at around 11pm on April 13 this year.
Officers were responding to a report about the defendant, who was described as “drunk and kicking off”.
The court heard when police arrived, the person who contacted them did not want to press any charges and just wanted Olejczuk out of their house.
The defendant initially told police he would leave and go to Starbeck – police even offered to drive him there – but his behaviour quickly changed.
Ms Ibbotson said Olejczuk, who was described as a “large man”, became aggressive and started swearing towards neighbours.
She added:
The defendant started shouting and swearing, and the police were trying to calm him down. He then turned his aggression towards the officers.
One named police officer said she was “genuinely frightened by Olejczuk due to his size and build".
The court heard the 42-year-old, who smelled of alcohol, then charged at a police officer.
Ms Ibbotson told the court:
One of the officers grabs him by the shoulders but he shrugs them off easily. They grabbed him again and were able to move him to the police vehicle.
The defendant then grabbed an officer and refused to let go. Police used pressure points on the defendant and he fell on the floor.
Olejczuk started “kicking out” at the officers, who eventually dragged him to get him into the vehicle, before he kicked an officer several times.
He was taken to Harrogate Police Station, where his behaviour escalated again.
Ms Ibbotson said the defendant spat at an officer and told the court one officer described him as “the most violent person I have ever encountered”.
Defendant ‘lashed out’
Mr Ahmed, defending, told the court Olejczuk had got into an argument with someone on the night of the incident.
He said the defendant had no intention of assaulting police officers that night, but he was drunk and “lashed out”.
Mr Ahmed conceded Olejczuk is a “big guy” but added that is “just his natural build”.
The court heard Olejczuk suffers from a number of health issues, which he has sought help for, and is engaging with relevant agencies.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Olejczuk will return to court for sentencing on May 29.
0