Thug jailed for terrifying assault that left officer scarred for life
A THUG who subjected a South Yorkshire Police officer to the “most terrifying event of his career” leaving him scarred for life and needing counselling has been jailed for 20 months.
Adam Burgin, 29, attacked Pc Dan Lumley after the officer had been called to reports of the defendant in possession of a baseball bat and threatening to kill members of his family in the Thrybergh area of Rotherham.
Sheffield Crown Court heard yesterday how Pc Lumley was first at the scene on September 2 last year and on his own when he made the decision to get out of his car and try and deal with events unfolding.
Judge Recorder Kate Batty praised the officer’s actions in court yesterday, and said: “His intention was to calm the situation down, but you (Burgin) approached him in an aggressive way with your fists clenched.
He knew you were going to assault him and as a result he drew his Pava spray and sprayed you to stop any violence and, in my opinion, that was a perfect step to take.
“You came to him, windmilling your arms and you pushed him to the ground. He managed to get on top of you and you remained on the ground. He was telling you to stay down, but you didn’t, you kept trying to get up.
“In my judgement, you were angered at the officer getting the better of you. You grounded him by grabbing his legs and flipping him up and repeatedly punching him.
“He did his job and for his troubles he was on the receiving end of the most terrifying event of his career.” Pc Lumley suffered a broken nose and injuries to his left eye.
Burgin, of South Vale Drive, Thrybergh, was found guilty of the section 47 assault following a three-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court last week. His sentencing was delayed until yesterday so he could attend his grandmother’s funeral.
In mitigation, Richard Adams said Burgin’s attack was self-defence, albeit excessive, after he had been sprayed by the officer.