Sunderland man headbutted police officer after drinking bottle of brandy and four cans of cider

A "drunkard" who headbutted a police officer in the face after downing a bottle of brandy has been allowed to keep his freedom.
Jack Hutchinson.Jack Hutchinson.
Jack Hutchinson.

Jack Hutchinson lashed out at the constable when he tried to put handcuffs on him in Sunderland on June 5.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the blow caused the officer to stumble backwards and he was left with a bump and redness above his eye.

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The police constable said in a statement: "I don't expect to be assaulted by anyone while carrying out my duties.

"I expect to deal with violent situations but not to be assaulted in such a way that could have caused me serious injury.

"When I return home I have to explain to my family I have been assaulted, simply for doing my job.

"It has caused me distress but will also cause them distress, they will fear it will happen every time I go to work."

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Prosecutor Neil Pallister told the court police had gone to Hutchinson's home after he had an altercation with his mother.

Officer's tracked down Hutchinson to a nearby address and tried to put him into handcuffs.

Mr Pallister said: "As the officer went to apply handcuffs the defendant became aggressive and tried to grab the handcuffs from the officers.

"He was told to let go of the handcuffs.

"As the officer was trying to remove the handcuffs, the defendant moved his head towards him and headbutted him to the forehead, above his eye.

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"He felt dazed due to the force of the headbutt but after a few seconds was able to recover and get handcuffs onto the defendant, with help from other officers."

Hutchinson, of Cramlington Road, Sunderland, admitted assault on an emergency worker on the basis he acted recklessly.

The 24-year-old confessed he had drank a bottle of brandy and four cans of cider before the attack.

Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Hutchinson to four months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with drug rehabilitation requirements.

Judge Bindloss told him: "Members of the police force deserve to be protected by the courts, they are at work at unsociable times to do their duty to the public in difficult circumstances.

"They do not deserve to be assaulted by drunkards like you."

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Tony Cornberg, defending, said Hutchinson, who has a criminal record but has never been to prison before, has sought professional help for his problems.

Mr Cornberg added: "He shows insight and has offered apology."

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