Chief Constable steps in to arrest man in Smethwick

Craig Guildford intervened after the incident in August last year.

Author: Claire EmmsPublished 19th Aug 2024

A man who attacked police officers has been sentenced after the West Midlands Police Chief Constable stepped in to arrest him.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford intervened after Luke Walton flew into a rage in Smethwick on 17 August last year.

Walton was being abusive and aggressive on Bearwood Road, causing members of the public distress with many having to move well away from him and his associates.

The chief who was in the area quickly stepped in to intervene, supporting other officers in making sure no members of the public could be harmed.

The chief initially attempted to diffuse the situation and calm down Walton who was under the influence of alcohol.

In a futile attempt to avoid being detained Walton kicked him and punched another officer in the face.

However, this didn’t deter any of the officers at the scene as Walton, aged 50, was swiftly arrested.

Walton, of Pershore Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He was sentenced to 13 weeks, suspended for 18 months at Wolverhampton Crown Court today 19 August.

The Chief Constable said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour on our streets is a priority for West Midlands Police and I actively encourage our officers to take pro-active action on a daily basis. Mr Walton had his chance and was causing members of the public to avoid the area.

"When disorder broke out in a Smethwick street back in August last year I was in the local area so stepped in to prevent it with my colleagues.

"Assaults such as this on our officers are completely unacceptable and it is important that those responsible are held to account by the Courts on behalf of the public."

Our officers, of all ranks and positions, are working tirelessly every day to keep you safe and such violence is unacceptable. Indeed one of our Chief Superintendents made a similar intervention last week on an unrelated case which underlines our determination..

Local cops are on the frontline 24/7 to protect the public and the last thing they should have to face is being attacked.

We will always seek criminal convictions against anyone who carries out violence against any of our staff.

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