An enraged, vodka-drinking troublemaker angrily kicked out at two policemen after “shouting and swearing in the street” when they arrested him following a bad-tempered domestic disturbance.
Heavy drinker Sean Foley refused to calm down and he had to be forced into a police van after extra help was called in by officers. He continued being aggressive but later claimed that the police had been “heavy-handed” with him during the arrest, Hull Crown Court heard.
Foley, 33, of west Hull, admitted two offences of assaulting police officers as emergency workers on February 20. He originally denied the offences and elected trial by jury but he later changed his pleas to guilty.
Samantha Laws, prosecuting, said that police were called to a domestic disturbance involving Foley and his mother. He had been drinking and went to her house. It was claimed that he had damaged a door but there was no charge against him over this.
“The defendant was found to be in the street holding a bottle of vodka,” said Miss Laws. He was arrested but he became aggressive and was “shouting and swearing in the street”. He resisted attempts to restrain him and tried to lunge at officers.
Extra help was called in and a police van arrived but Foley continued to resist and had to be forced into the van. He kicked a constable on the jaw and shoulder, causing a cut lip and swelling. Straps were put around his legs but, while he was being transported, he drew back both his feet and kicked a police sergeant in the stomach, winding him.
“He continued to be aggressive and abusive throughout the duration,” said Miss Laws. Foley had convictions for 22 previous offences, including assault in February last year and a public disorder matter in June last year.
Julia Baggs, mitigating, said that Foley believed that the police were “heavy-handed” but he accepted responsibility for his actions. “There was an ongoing incident between the defendant and his mother,” said Miss Baggs.
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“There are no offences arising from that incident. Officers were understandably called to intervene. He absolutely understands that he should not have lashed out.”
Judge Richard Woolfall said that the police had a hard enough job to do and did not need people like Foley causing problems. “They can do without having to deal with people like you,” said Judge Woolfall.
“You made their life very much more difficult than it needed to be. There is no excuse for it. It’s a serious offence. You are going to have to get a grip of this situation or you are going to be spending significant periods of time in prison.”
Foley was given a 16-week suspended prison sentence, a six-month monitoring order and 20 days’ rehabilitation.
“Next time you come back – and I hope you don’t – you will be locked up,” said Judge Woolfall. Foley told the court: “I do appreciate what you are doing. I could have easily gone to custody today.”