Salisbury man jailed after assaulting police officer
The incident happened earlier this week
A man from Salisbury has been jailed for six months for assaulting a police officer and possessing a knife in a public place.
Mark Parker, 24 of Cherry Close, pleaded guilty at Salisbury Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday 25th February).
On Wednesday (24rd February), Parker attended a meeting with a police officer and member of staff at The Probation Office in Salisbury city centre.
Parker mentioned he had a knife with him and showed its pointed tip when asked about it.
He then tried to leave the meeting but was told by the officer that he couldn't leave with the weapon and tried to stop him.
Parker then punched the officer in his torso but fortunately he was not injured.
Following that an arrest was made and subsequently a search found the knife in his bag.
After the sentencing, Inspector Guy Williams said:
"I would like to praise the actions of both police and probation staff in taking decisive action to ensure that Mark Parker was unable to pose a risk to the public.
This is a timely reminder that the engagement with offenders across the county has not stopped due to the pandemic.
Staff from several agencies work daily to try to divert persons from their criminal behaviour and to safeguard those in need, and at times place themselves in harms way in order to do so.
Assaults on any staff member will never be tolerated."