A judge has spoken out about violence to police officers after a Killinghall man head-butted a constable.
Two officers were called to Bedlam Lane, near Fewston reservoir, after reports of a man slumped on the steering wheel in a Peugeot 20 parked in an isolated spot, York Crown Court heard.
When the officers arrived, they found 38-year-old Richard Brewins intoxicated but, despite his slurred speech, able to identify himself.
Prosecutor Thomas Parsons-Munn said that after noticing empty Strongbow cans in the footwell, officers asked Brewins to undergo an alcohol breath test but he became aggressive, shouting and swearing at the officers, one of whom grabbed him by the arm.
Brewins pushed one of the officers and tried to get away, at which point the other officer used his pepper spray.
Mr Parsons-Munn said:
“Brewins responded by head-butting (the named officer) in his face, cutting the bridge of his nose.”
A passer-by helped the police restrain Brewins and take him to ground, where he was handcuffed.
Due to his heavily intoxicated state, Brewins was taken to Harrogate District Hospital as a precaution. He was later discharged and taken in for questioning, where he denied “assaulting anyone”.
Brewins, of Thomas Drive, ultimately admitted assaulting the officer, causing actual bodily harm. The offence occurred on January 19.
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Seven previous convictions
The court heard that Brewins, a pizza delivery driver, had seven previous convictions for 15 offences, including three for common assault.
Defence barrister Ayman Khokhar said Brewins was “at the end of his tether” at the time and had parked up in the secluded spot in a highly emotional state.
He said Brewins had “complex” psychiatric difficulties and was now receiving treatment.
Recorder Andrew Dallas told Brewins:
“You head-butted a police officer, causing a nasty cut to the bridge of his nose.
“It was very painful and there appears to be some ongoing psychological effect (to the victim).
“Just because a person is in a uniform doesn’t mean he isn’t a human being and doesn’t suffer the effects of psychological trauma. He should not have to put up with this sort of behaviour.”
It was the second time in a week that Mr Dallas had bemoaned attacks on police officers, which is a topical issue following recent protests in Bristol and London that descended into violence.
Police attacks
The day before Brewins’ court appearance, a 40-year-old man from Scarborough was jailed for attacking a traffic constable at a funeral wake.
Mr Dallas said Brewins’ offence was so serious that it could only be met with a custodial sentence but agreed to suspend this because he was trying to turn his life around through professional help.
The eight-month prison term was suspended for two years but Brewins was ordered to carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work.
He must also complete a 25-day rehabilitation programme and pay the injured officer £300 compensation.
