Thug locked up for bid to shove cop into canal

A MAN has been jailed after trying to push a police officer into a Salford Quays canal.

Sean Morris, 32, had approached two officers along the canal and engaged in conversation with them while filming them on his phone.

After a few moments, he then ‘rugby tackled’ the female officer in an attempt to push her into the canal, Manchester Magistrates Court heard. The male officer managed to fight off Morris, from Salford, who then proceeded to jump into the canal and refused to get out. It wasn’t until more officers attended that he was arrested during the incident on May 31 at around 2.30pm.

In his interview, he said this was a cry for help. He claimed he didn’t target the officer because she was a woman but because she was closest to him at the time. He also said that he didn’t think of the consequences of the officer being unable to swim in the heavy uniform and PPE she was wearing at the time. Morris pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency officer and was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment.

In a victim personal statement, the officer said: “I believe the assault was due to me being female. He had the same opportunity to grab my colleague but he wouldn’t as he’s male. As a result of the incident I feel shocked and anxious.”

Morris was said to have previous convictions for a section 47 assault, perverting the course of justice and battery.

Harold Smith, defending, said Morris suffered with alcohol and drug addiction. He said he had completed a rehabilitation course but suffers from anxiety and depression which is heightened by the current climate and by being confined. Morris, of Kershope Grove, Salford, was ordered to pay £200 compensation to the officer.