Man who punched police officer is spared jail

A man who punched a police officer causing her to lose a tooth has been ordered to pay £8,500.

Jason Garfoot, 51, injured the officer when she was called to his home in Pinder Lane, in Donington, Lincolnshire, on 14 November 2023 after police received reports of a man being aggressive towards a paramedic.

He was spared jail at Lincoln Crown Court after admitting assaulting an emergency worker [paramedic] and assault occasioning actual bodily harm to the police officer.

Sentencing him, Judge James House KC said: "It is apparent there was a reason behind this, he was suffering a mental health breakdown."

The court heard the officer suffered "a very violent blow", which left her with a "loosened front tooth" that had to be removed at a cost of £1,500.

Prosecutor Noel Philo said she attended the scene, with another male colleague, and was informed Garfoot had been drinking and "possibly taken some prescribed medication".

"He came to the door and aggressively barged past the paramedic who was stood in front of him," said Mr Philo.

The male officer tried to calm the situation by pushing Garfoot with a palm to his chest but the defendant "reacted [with] a very heavy punch", which missed him and struck his colleague, who was standing nearby, said Mr Philo.

The judge was told Garfoot was "instantly apologetic" during his police interview. He also sent a bunch of flowers and a letter of apology to the officer, and offered to pay for all of her future dental treatment.

Gavin Edmondson, who was defending Garfoot, told the court he was "a well respected man", who played an active part in the community, and was ashamed for his actions.

"It was clear Mr Garfoot had suffered a mental health breakdown on the day of the incident," Mr Edmondson said.

Judge House KC said: "What happened this night was a disgrace, but I do accept it was an isolated incident."

Garfoot was sentenced to a 12-month community order and told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay the officer £3,500 compensation within 28 days and a further £5,000 within six months, and £550 court costs.

The judge commended the officer for her desire to stay in the job and continue to help people.

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