A Swindon man told a police officer he’d bite his nose before putting him in a headlock in a pitch-black field, a court heard.
Kyle Thomas, 20, was drunk and had smoked approximately £25-worth of cannabis before the incident took place at Meadowcroft Recreation Ground on 26 February this year.
Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court last week (25 August), he pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage and possession of cannabis.
Crown prosecutor Pauline Lambert said the defendant, of Pinnocks Place, Stratton St Margaret, that PC Thorne was responding to reports of a stolen bicycle.
Arriving at the scene at around 8pm, he walked towards a group of males. The entire group fled the area, leaving Thomas alone with the officer.
The defendant was told he was going to be arrested and as a result, he lashed out at PC Thorne – breaking his £14.99 watch.
He became abusive, shouting “I’ll bite your f**king nose” before putting the officer in a headlock. Backup soon arrived and Thomas was placed in a spit hood and leg restraints.
The violent outburst continued in transit to the police station and in custody, where he attempted to headbutt PC Bridgeman in a holding cell.
In an interview, Thomas told officers he “wouldn’t have done it if I wasn’t p**sed”, adding that he’d consumed four magnum tonic wines and half of a bag of cannabis he’d purchased for £50.
The court heard the defendant had a conditional discharge for the possession of cannabis in 2020.
Duty solicitor Mark Glendenning says his client offers his apologies to the officers involved.
“He was with his friends, sitting together smoking and drinking. One of the group has, allegedly, stolen a bicycle earlier in the day – he was within the group.
“Oddly, this chap [Thomas] stays where he is. The others, and the one responsible, left.”
Mr Glendenning said warehouse worker Thomas is doing all her can to stop taking cannabis and realises smoking the drug will “get him into a lot of trouble”.
Magistrates sentenced him to 100 hours of unpaid work in the community. He must pay £64.99 compensation to PC Thorne for his ordeal and the damage to his watch.
Thomas was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.
