Thug broke armed police officer's ankle and risked his career

The officer's foot was left ‘at a 45 degree angle to his leg’ after a confrontation with Melvin Scott.

The injury required surgery, left him with a limp and could affect his ability to continue his career in Northumbria Police's firearms unit.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the officer had gone to the 53-year-old's home to speak to him about a vehicle and concern for a person driving it.

The court heard because of Scott's ‘unhelpful and abusive’ demeanor, the officer believed he was about to be attacked outside.

Proscuter Michael Bunch told the court the officer tried to take Scott to the ground but he ‘resisted’.

Mr Bunch added: "Effectively, because of the defendant's resistance, the two fell to the ground and continued to struggle.

"He realised that, effectively, his foot was at a 45 degree angle to to his leg, in an unnatural position."

The court heard the officer needed nine screws and surgical plates inserted to repair the break to his ankle and is now registered as ‘15 per cent disabled’.

Scott, of Cathedral View, Houghton, admitted causing grievous bodily harm.

Judge Sarah Mallett sentenced Scott to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and alcohol treatment requirements.Adam Birkby, defending, said Scott has a history of mental health problems.