A Chippenham man faces a trial accused of breaking a police officer’s finger.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (1 February), James Stinchcombe, 37, denies assaulting an emergency worker and assaulting a police officer thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm (ABH).
Prosecutor Kate Prince alleged that the defendant, of Kington Lane, Stanton St. Quintin, pushed PC Stephen Johnson on 15 May 2021, as he was arrested on suspicion of an unrelated offence.
It’s alleged he went on to grab PC Steven Lax’s little finger and broke it as he was detained on the ground.
Representing himself, Stinchcombe disputes assaulting either of the officers.
His trial will take place on 25 July at Swindon Magistrates’ Court. He was released on unconditional bail.
