Four-week jail time for man who punched Aylesbury police officer
He also assaulted another officer as they tried to restrain him
A man has been jailed for four weeks, after punching a police officer in the head in Aylesbury.
Richard Mitchell assaulted another officer, as well, whilst they tried to restrain him in Vale Park last Monday following racially-aggravated behaviour.
The 45-year-old from Harcourt Green also has to pay 400-pounds in compensation to the victims.
What happened in Vale Park?
On Monday 7th June, officers from ICR Team 5 attended Vale Park to locate a male identified as committing a racially aggravated public order offence in the town centre.
When they found the male in question, officers tried to arrest him.
But Mitchell became 'uncompliant' and aggressive towards officers.
One officer received several punches to the head and one was on the receiving end of multiple kicks.
Once secured in handcuffs, he was then racially abusive towards another officer, at one point telling her "she shouldn't even be in this country".
Mitchell was charged and remanded for the following offences:
- 2 x Assault by beating of an emergency worker
- 1 x Racially aggravated harassment / alarm / distress by words / writing
- 1 x Use threatening / abusive / insulting words / behaviour to cause harassment / alarm / distress.
The case was heard in court last week and the 45-year-old was found guilty.
He was sentenced to 4 weeks imprisonment and has to pay a total of £400.00 in compensation to the victims.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said:
"Thankfully, the officers have only sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident. The officer and member of the public who were racially abused are receiving help and support.
"Officers expect a level of hostility from some members of the public due to the nature of their job. However, officers shouldn't have to deal or expect to be assaulted whilst carrying out their lawful duty. Unfortunately, this is the third individual that has been arrested for assaults against officers within the past 2 weeks!
"No person should be discriminated against for their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other characteristic. This shows a clear message that officers from Thames Valley Police will not stand for this behaviour and you will be dealt with robustly."