A refuse collector from Essex has narrowly avoided an immediate prison term after a violent confrontation with a participant in the World Naked Bike Ride and subsequent attacks on police officers.
Violent Confrontation During Fundraiser
Lee Turnage, a 46-year-old part-time binman for Colchester Council, was riding his motorbake on 9 August when he encountered the annual fundraising event. The court heard that Turnage mistook the nude cyclists for 'perverts' and reacted aggressively.
Prosecutor Charles Judge explained that Turnage, who was not insured to drive his motorcycle, turned around and rode back up the hill before deliberately punching a cyclist in the head. The victim was knocked from his bicycle, suffering cuts to his legs and grazing to his hands and arm.
Steven Dyble, acting for the defence, stated: 'He encountered a number of middle-aged men cycling in the nude. That is not to the defendant's taste, but he reacted very badly to what he thought of, to use the vernacular, as perverts cycling naked in what was a residential area.'
Police Officers Attacked Outside Pub
The situation escalated when police attended The Leather Bottle pub in Colchester, Essex, after another cyclist provided footage of the assault. Officers located a helmet and backpack belonging to Turnage.
When police attempted to seize these items, Turnage approached them and declared, 'You're not taking that'. He then launched a physical assault on the officers, putting one in a headlock, kicking them in the abdomen, and damaging their glasses.
PC Jenny Ham was taken to the floor during the struggle and later described being 'terrified for her safety and her colleague'. The court heard that PC Charlie Jones suffered a torn ear that required medical treatment to be glued back together.
Suspended Sentence and Consequences
At Ipswich Crown Court, Turnage admitted to multiple offences including dangerous driving, driving without insurance, criminal damage, assaulting a police officer, and two charges of actual bodily harm.
Recorder Jeremy Benson sentenced Turnage to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, citing his previous good character and caring responsibilities for his grandmother. The defendant had no previous convictions except for historic traffic offences in France from the 1990s.
The court imposed additional penalties including 15 rehabilitation days, 75 hours of unpaid work, a £200 fine, and £2,000 compensation to the cyclist. Turnage also had his driving licence revoked for the motoring offences.
