Salisbury man jailed for biting police officer

Mark Archibald pleaded guilty to assault by beating, wounding with intent and assault on an emergency worker.

The 38 year old was sentenced to four years in custody at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (9th October).

The court heard that on June 2nd officers responded to an emergency call that a man had been assaulted by another man in Fisherton Street.

Archibald was pursued to Queen Elizabeth Gardens where he resisted arrest, inflicting a deep bite wound on one of the officers before he was subdued by incapacitant spray.

The injury he caused was so severe the officer required hospital treatment and is likely to be left with permanent scarring.

Praising the actions of the officers involved, Wiltshire Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said:

"I would like to pay tribute to the actions of both of the officers involved in this horrendous incident. Under the most challenging circumstances they were able to arrest this individual in a calm and professional manner and place the safety of the general public above their own. They are a credit to Wiltshire Police and should feel rightly proud of their actions."

ABHORRENT CRIME

Inspector Pete Sparrow added:

"This was an abhorrent crime that shocked everyone involved including witnesses, the Police, friends and family. I do not wish to comment or remember the offender in this instance and wish to save my praise for the professional way that my officers reacted to this incident. "

"The focus at this time was very much on our Police service, so to see a young officer, who has just been assaulted in the most horrific way, remain calm, placing public perception above his own needs was a moment he should be very proud of. I must also remind everyone that such incidents are rare and Salisbury remains a safe low crime area in which to live or work."