Off-duty officer fined for motocycle helmet assault

A decorated police officer has been fined for assault after he headbutted a woman while wearing a motorcycle helmet. Police Sergeant David Sanderson, 45, was off-duty when he confronted two women in a car in front of him at an Asda petrol station in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire on June 6 last year. After spotting one of the women using her mobile phone behind the wheel of her car, he felt it was his “duty” stop her using the device, which she claimed she was operating hands-free. Sgt Sanderson – a road traffic officer – began revving his motorcycle engine and as the car began to pull away, he stopped next to it, blocking the driver’s door while shouting through the window, Worthing Magistrates’ Court heard. Prosecuting, Gaynor Byng said Donna Bryant, who is a dispatcher for South Central Ambulance Service, got out of her car and threatened to kill the officer. She added: “Mr Sanderson, still wearing his crash helmet at that point, headbutted Miss Bryant to the forehead. This left a red mark the size of a 50p piece and a swollen lump.” Ms Byng said Sgt Sanderson told an off-duty police officer who witnessed the incident: “You do not know what you saw, young man. I am police too.” He denied the offence of assault by beating but was found guilty following a trial on March 28. Sgt Sanderson told the court he was “scared for his safety” after his victim confronted him and that he “panicked”, nearly falling off his Honda Blackbird. He also said he did not remember head-butting Miss Bryant, adding he only wanted to have an “adult conversation” with her. Sgt Sanderson was fined £828, ordered to pay £600 court costs, £100 compensation and £82 victim surcharge. Chair of the bench Marley Isaac told him: “We are very mindful of your position in the force, your daily occupation and your previous good character and 23-year exemplary service. “However, this does appear to be an ongoing road rage incident that began at the pumps and continued off the forecourt. “The victim would have felt quite intimidated by your revving behind her. “She clearly provoked you and the incident escalated significantly. It would have been better at that stage if you had identified yourself and it’s disappointing you didn’t behave more appropriately.” Sgt Sanderson has won numerous awards for heroism during his time at Hampshire Constabulary, including one for risking his life to disarm a knife-wielding criminal. He lodged an appeal against his conviction, and has been taken off front-line duties pending the conclusion of the appeal. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Any final decision on any misconduct investigation will be progressed at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.”