A male has been convicted of assaulting an emergency worker after repeatedly hitting an officer over the head with the officers own ASP.
On 30th Jan 2021, officers carrying out some intelligence checks in Lees Lane, Hampshire, spotted 31-year-old Matthew Wagstaff.
As officers approached Wagstaff, he made a run for it and started hopping over garden fences in Pelham Road.
When officers caught up with Wagstaff, a struggle ensued during which Wagstaff took hold of an officer’s ASP before repeatedly hitting him over the head with it.
The officer received multiple head injuries, which required treatment in hospital.
Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 1 March, Wagstaff pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
Inspector Matt Wake said:
“Assaults against our people will never be tolerated. It is not ‘simply part of the job’, and we will always take these extremely seriously.
“This was a violent attack on one of our officers, who needed treatment in hospital as a result. Fortunately he has recovered well and is back on duty, but the outcome could have been far more severe.”
Wagstaff, of no fixed abode, was bailed to appear at the same court on 16th April for sentencing.
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Only Sec 47 ?
No Fixed Abode and Granted Bail ????