Thug lashed out at police while naked
OFFICERS FOUND VIOLENT LOUT IN BEDROOM
A WASHINGTON lout left police officers fearing for their safety after assaulting them while “stark naked” in his bedroom.
Police visited Gavin Shale after reports of a domestic incident but soon found themselves struggling to contain his anger.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard officers pressed a panic button after he repeatedly resisted arrest.
Prosecutor Ian Martin said one of the officers found Shale lying in bed under the covers after visiting his home.
Mr Martin explained: “The police officer pulled back the quilt and tried to put handcuffs on the defendant.
“He became immediately violent, lashing out towards the officers, kicking with such force to send one of them flying off the bed.
“He continued to throw punches towards the officers to the point they had to press the emergency assist button on their radio.”
The court heard how out-of-control Shale, of Broadmeadows, Fatfield, Washington, was pepper sprayed by the officers in an attempt to stem his behaviour.
Reading a victim impact statement from one of the officer’s in court, Mr Martin said: “Shale was so aggressive that I feared for mine and my colleague’s safety.
“I hope that Shale is remorseful for me and my colleague.”
A second statement from one of the officers said they believed Shale “has no remorse for his actions as he clearly knew we were police officers”.
Defending, Neil Hodgson, said has Shale apologised and is remorsef u l for the assaults.
The 36-yearold had stormed out of the house after an argument with his partner before returning in the early hours of the next day.
Mr Hodgson explained: “He returned the next day at six o’clock in the morning and couldn’t get into the house so he broke the window to get into the house and went to bed. “He says he was stark naked in bed, the next thing he knows the police came in.
“He says he didn’t know who it was but then realises.”
Mr Hodgson added: “I would say this is a one off thing.
“He accepts that his behaviour is inappropriate, out of line and can’t be repeated.
“He is remorseful, he apologises and it shouldn’t happen.”
Shale pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting an emergency worker and was handed an 18-month community order.
Chairman of the bench Cristopher Graham told Shale: “Police officers are there to protect and help us and they do not deserve any violence.”
He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to each police officer and ordered to pay a total of £515.