Drinker headbutts police officer who came to his aid after fight in city center

A drunk man headbutted a police officer after getting involved in a fight at a party. Peter Carson was in Newcastle city center when he attacked a police officer trying to help him.

Magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Center heard officers were called to report an altercation in the High Street. They spotted Carson, who was apparently injured but refused to cooperate.

Prosecutor Zaine Riaz said: “At around 9pm a police officer followed a report of two men fighting in the High Street. One of them was reportedly knocked out briefly.

READ MORE: Drunk driver at 90mph crashes into car and truck on A500

“The officer saw two men matching the description. He approached the accused and saw blood flowing from his ear.

“However, the accused repeatedly told the officer to ‘**** off’. He appeared very drunk and unsteady on his feet.

“It was clear he didn’t want to reveal any information to the police and just kept telling the officer to fuck off. The officer was concerned about the accused’s drunkenness.

“He told the defendant he had had enough and it was time for him to leave downtown. The defendant replied, ‘No, **** off.’

“The officer arrested him for drunkenness and disorder. Without warning or provocation, the accused lunged at the officer with his head, headbutting him and causing him pain and discomfort.”

The court heard he was later arrested for assaulting a rescue worker. But he continued to be verbally abusive on the way to custody, claiming he headbutted the officer because he didn’t feel like he had done anything wrong .

The incident happened on November 6. Carson, of Gunson Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty to assaulting a rescue worker.

The court heard the father-of-two hadn’t had any issues since 2010. That year he was jailed for 28 months for injuries.

Mitigating Kevin Mortlock said: “Mr Carson was visiting his brother, who lived in Longton. They went out with the group and Mr Carson drank alcohol for the first time in a long time.

“It had more of an effect on him than he expected. He broke away from his group of friends and described being attacked and mugged.

“He was lost and he accepts that when the officer tried to engage him his behavior was poor. He can understand now that he is sober that the officer saw he was bleeding and worried about him .

“Mr. Carson has thought carefully about this incident and wishes to express to the court that he is ashamed of his behaviour.”

Magistrates handed him a 12-month community order with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 180 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay compensation of £100 to the police officer and £280 in legal fees and charges.

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for StokeonTrentLive email alerts straight to your inbox here