Jail let-off for PC in attack on lone mum
A DRUNKEN off-duty police officer who attacked a terrified woman as she headed home alone was allowed to walk free from court yesterday.
PC Oliver Banfield, a probationary officer with West Midlands Police, grabbed Emma Homer, 36, last July.
CCTV showed Banfield trying to tackle the mum of two to the ground and, as she screamed, put her in a headlock.As Miss Homer managed to flee, Banfield abused her, shouting “******* slag”.
But, despite admitting a charge of assault by beating, the 25-year-old remains in his post.
Miss Homer, who lives on the same street as Banfield, said being attacked by a police officer had shaken her belief system “to the core”.
She said: “During the assault, I was sure this drunk man was fulfilling a violent cop movie fantasy.”
Banfield, of Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, appeared before Leicester magistrates for sentencing yesterday.
His lawyer argued he should not do community service because it would be “difficult” working with criminals.
Judge Nick Watson said the officer had “abused his power” and described the misogynistic abuse as “an aggravating factor”.
But he gave Banfield a 14-week curfew from 7pm to 7am and ordered
him to pay £500 to
£180 costs.
West Midlands Police have approached for comment.
Last year, the same district judge was criticised by women’s charities for sentencing former Kasabian rocker Tom Meighan to community service for assaulting his fiancee.
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