A Swindon man was ‘quite injured’ after fighting a tree, a court heard.
Police were called to Spruce Court in Pinehurst following reports of a disorder on 12 January – but things took a turn for the worse upon their arrival.
46-year-old Edward Wheeler was found highly intoxicated and kicking off in the street. His family and friends attempted to calm him down, but failed.
Officers were reluctant to arrest the defendant, making efforts to de-escalate the situation and shepherd him indoors to safety.
Prosecutor Asha Seenauth told Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday (11 March) that Wheeler “had a fight with a tree and ends up being quite injured himself”.
She said that he went on to throw a stone, which landed on the bonnet of a car – which caused damage. Ms Seenauth added that it was “very much an alcohol-fuelled incident”.
As officers proceeded in their attempts to get him into a nearby property, he head-butted PC Cook and pushed PC Pearce in the chest. Neither were injured.
The defendant, of Colingsmead, Eldene, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
Mark Glendenning, defending, said that his client “lost control of himself” and “apologises to all involved”. He said that it was the anniversary of a family member’s death.
District Judge Joanna Dickens imposed a 12-month community order, with the requirement Wheeler completes an alcohol treatment programme and ten rehabilitation days.
£50 compensation was also awarded to each police officer.
