Jail for man who strangled police officer
A man who attempted to strangle an officer from West Mercia Police has been jailed for 24 weeks.
James Bateman, 23, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday (February 10) after admitting assaulting an emergency worker. He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation.
Officers had attended a pub on Austin Road in Bromsgrove on Saturday afternoon (February 8) after receiving a call about Bateman’s behaviour. When they spoke to him, he became agitated and the officers needed to restrain him, however, he grabbed hold of one officer and began to strangle him.
The officer received treatment for injuries to his throat and face but did not require hospital treatment.
The case comes as an increasing number of officers are being assaulted on duty and concerns that those responsible often escape custodial sentences.
West Mercia Chief Inspector Edward Hancox said: “While we go into the role of a police officer knowing there is a risk of violence the reality of incidents like this never fails to shock.
“Our frontline officers are the people our communities look to keep them safe and secure and assaults such as this will simply not be tolerated. I’m pleased the seriousness of this incident has been reflected by the custodial sentenced.”
