Chase teen placed cop in chokehold

A TEENAGE yob left a police officer fighting for breath after locking him in a martial arts-style chokehold that could have killed him.

Mirko Novansky admitted endangering the life of PC Graeme Hunter by wrapping his legs around his neck and choking him during the incident in Fintry in April last year.

The 18-year-old ran away from officers who were making inquiries in relation to another matter.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard the attack has had a “significant” impact on PC Hunter.

The court was told Novansky and another man were seen outside the Dolphin Bar by PC Hunter and a colleague.

The pair ran off but PC Hunter managed to catch Novansky while his colleague struggled to keep up.

After being pulled over a fence, Novansky executed the manoeuvre, which a force medical examiner said could have had fatal consequences.

Fiscal depute Vicki Bell said: “One of the officers could not keep up but Constable Hunter, who was described as being 6ft 2in in height and weighing 16 stone, pulled Novansky over a fence where they both fell.

“The accused then wrapped his legs around the officer’s neck and restricted his breathing while repeatedly punching his head.

“He was being held in a face down position. He described it as like having a mixed martial arts chokehold applied with the accused’s legs.

“The officer tried to shout out in the hope his colleague would appear. His colleague soon became aware after hearing him groaning and shouting.”

Mrs Bell added: “He managed to pull the accused off and restrained him before handcuffing him. He could see his colleague was coughing and in shock.

“A force medical examiner said the manoeuvre had the potential to cause death had the officer not struggled.

“However, it was accepted the potential to cause death was unlikely in this case.”

In response to being cautioned and charged, Novansky said: “I did it and I am sorry.”

PC Hunter was said to have suffered a sore windpipe and the incident had a significant impact on his physical and emotional wellbeing.

Novansky, of Fintry Road, pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Hunter by repeatedly struggling with him, placing his legs around his neck, restricting his breathing and repeatedly punching him on the head to the danger of his life.

Sheriff Tom Hughes deferred sentence until August for reports and allowed Novansky’s bail order to continue.

Mirko Novansky