A former serviceman pulled a knife on enforcement officers who arrived at his home to clamp and seize his vehicle over unpaid council tax, a court has heard. Simon Coll slashed at the early-morning visitors with the weapon, causing them to flee, then smashed a van window with a rock or log.
Judge condemns 'disgraceful' behaviour
Judge Recorder Mark Powell KC described the defendant's conduct as 'disgraceful' and noted that one enforcement officer 'had a close shave' with the large knife Coll brandished. The incident occurred on February 26 last year at Coll's home in Castlemorris, Pembrokeshire.
Details of the incident
Prosecutor Brian Simpson told Swansea Crown Court that three enforcement officers arrived at around 6:30am to enforce a liability order for unpaid council tax. Two days earlier, a single officer had attended but Coll became aggressive and chased him away.
On the morning in question, the officers parked their vans on the road, entered the yard, and clamped Coll's van. As they approached his house, Coll opened the door holding a knife and said, 'Do you want some?' When asked to put it down, he swung the weapon and chased an officer around the clamped van.
The officers retreated to their vans. Coll picked up a rock or log and threw it at one van, cracking its windscreen, then kicked another van. The officers drove off and called police. When police arrived, Coll locked the gate and was obstructive; officers climbed over and arrested him.
Defendant's account
In his interview, 59-year-old Coll said he was awoken by noise and saw three men approaching. He claimed he did not realise they were enforcement officers until they left and he found a wheel clamp. He said he acted to defend himself and his property, believing his actions lawful. Police recovered a cut-off wheel clamp.
The enforcement officers were left 'very shaken up,' with one fearing for his life and experiencing flashbacks. Coll pleaded guilty to affray and two counts of criminal damage (the wheel clamp and van windscreen). He has one 'very old' conviction for ramming a fishboat in a dispute over lobster pots.
Sentencing
Defence barrister Andrew Evans said Coll accepts his behaviour was unlawful. Recorder Powell noted Coll's military service and the difficulties arising from it, as well as the unusual circumstances of three men approaching an isolated property in the dark. However, he stressed the officers were doing their public duty.
With a one-quarter discount for guilty pleas, Coll was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, ordered to pay £290 compensation, and must complete a rehabilitation programme.
