A police officer’s head became stuck in a fence after a pensioner launched an attack, a court heard.
Swindon man Stephen Martin, 67, pushed the volunteer police officer over when he arrested his son for undisclosed allegations at his home address on 24 January this year.
After Special PC George Mason outlined the offences for which his son was being arrested, he attempted to stop them. The officer ended up pinned to the ground by the pensioner.
During the melee outside the defendant’s property in Lennox Drive, Walcot, the officer’s head ended up stuck in a wire fence and he was struggling to get back up.
The situation wasn’t helped by Martin’s son allegedly resisting arrest, resulting in him and the officer’s colleague tumbling on top of the pair who were already in a scuffle on the ground.
Appearing Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (1 March), he pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker.
Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said the pensioner had admitted his crime in a police interview – confirming he pushed the officer backwards in the incident.
He labelled events as a “moment of madness”.
Mark Glendenning, defending, told of how his client – who turns 68 tomorrow – has no previous convictions or cautions.
He said Martin accepts he assaulted the officer and “apologies unreservedly for that”.
“He walks with a stick and he tells me that he can’t remember trying to hold the officer down”, Mr Glendenning adds.
“It’s more likely he was unable to get back up due to his mobility issues.”
Magistrates imposed a £138 fine and awarded £100 compensation to the special constable. Martin must also pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.
