Violent Hospital Corridor Attack Leaves Police Officer and Attacker Unconscious
A violent thug was captured on CCTV headbutting a police officer with such extreme force that both men collapsed unconscious in a hospital corridor. The shocking assault occurred at Bedford Hospital and resulted in the officer, Special Constable Jack Capener, sustaining a broken nose that required medical stitches. The attacker, Liam Moriarty, 31, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for this brutal incident.
Details of the Assault and Aftermath
CCTV footage reveals the moment Moriarty launched the attack on Special Constable Capener after being brought to the hospital for treatment following a car crash. The impact of the headbutt was so severe that both individuals were knocked out cold, slumping to the floor simultaneously. Moriarty had been arrested earlier on September 6 last year after a vehicle he was in was involved in a collision in Shefford, Bedfordshire. Following injuries from the crash, he was transported to Bedford Hospital, where the violent outburst unfolded.
In addition to the headbutt, Moriarty continued his aggressive behaviour by spitting in the face of another officer and causing over £5,000 worth of damage to hospital equipment. The officer required treatment from specialist practitioners and was unable to return to duty for nearly two months after the attack.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Earlier this year, Moriarty, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker, and criminal damage to hospital equipment. At Luton Crown Court on February 27, he received a sentence of two and a half years in prison, with credit given for the six months he had already spent on remand. Two further charges related to damaging property and handling stolen goods were ordered to lie on file.
Statements from the Officer and Police Chief
Special Constable Jack Capener commented on the incident, stating, "Every officer knows there is a potential for danger any time you go out. Running towards danger is a part of the job, but being assaulted is not." He described the attack as horrible, noting it occurred while they were caring for someone in custody. Capener added, "We take every precaution, but sometimes keeping the public safe unfortunately comes at a cost. I welcome Moriarty's sentence and the court's recognition that assaults on emergency workers are unacceptable."
Chief Inspector Emma Nicol of Bedfordshire Police expressed her views, saying, "This was a shocking and cowardly attack on an officer who was simply trying to do their job, and I am pleased Moriarty has received a considerable custodial sentence." She highlighted that Bedfordshire Police report almost 30 officers are assaulted every month while on duty, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by emergency workers.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers police officers encounter daily, even in settings like hospitals where care and safety are paramount. The sentencing aims to deter similar acts of violence against those dedicated to public service.
