A man carrying a wine bottle restricted a police officer's breathing by putting his arm around his neck at a busy train station. Mark Haire had fallen on top of the constable while being arrested but, rather than get up, decided to assault him.
Assault at Newcastle Central Station
Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that the 38-year-old initially placed his arm around the victim's head before moving it to his neck and applying pressure. The officer's breathing was temporarily restricted, and he was left with reddening and bruising, prosecutors said.
Haire, of Wingrove Avenue, in Fenham, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty. The court heard police were called to Newcastle Central Station on July 7 after a reported shop theft.
Details of the incident
Clare Haswell, prosecuting, said: "Officers approached the defendant, who had a large bottle of wine. They were going to stop and search him. The officers took hold of the defendant and he immediately raised the bottle of wine towards the officers then discarded it."
"The officers took hold of him. One of the officers noticed his handcuffs were no longer secure in their pouch. The defendant resisted and was brought to the ground. As he went to the floor, the defendant landed on top of one of the officers."
The court heard that Haire put his arm around the officer's head and mouth before moving it to his neck, restricting his breathing. Miss Haswell added: "The officer said there was a lot of pressure on his face, which caused reddening and bruising."
Previous offences and next steps
Miss Haswell said Haire had 58 offences on his record and was on a community order at the time. Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and released Haire on unconditional bail to next appear at the same court later this month.
