Officer punched over doggie doodoo dispute

37-year-old man convicted of assaulting a police officer, harassment encouraged to apologize to his neighbour

A judge found Peterborough’s Adam Webdale guilty on three counts Monday and admonished the 37-year-old for punching a city police officer in the face.

“We depend heavily on the police,” Mr. Justice Robert Graydon said. “You had no call to do that. You have an anger problem.”

Graydon found Webdale guilty of assaulting a peace officer, obstructing police and criminal harassment.

During a trial in Ontario Court of Justice in late March court heard Webdale had got into an argument with a Dutton Rd. neighbour at a public housing apartment complex last year.

Webdale was upset the woman allowed her dog outside without a leash and he accosted her about the amount of dog feces on the shared lawn, court heard.

That led Webdale to confront the woman four times in a matter of two days, court heard, including two late night visits to her apartment.

City police were called to the building on t wo separate occasions on May 2, 2011. Officers first gave Webdale a verbal warning to stay away from the woman, but were called back three hours later when he con- tinued to pester her, court heard.

On the second occasion, Webdale's father invited constables Dave Currie and Adam Moher into his apartment.

Currie testified that Webdale was agitated, swearing and appeared to be drunk. When the officer reached out to grab Webdale’s arm, intent on arresting him for breaching the peace, Webdale grabbed onto his shoulder with one hand and used his other hand to punch Currie in the face, court heard.

“In my view … the police were obligated … to preserve the peace the night in question, to prevent a crime,” Graydon ruled. “I find that officer Currie was acting in the execution of his duty.”

Crown attorney Lisa Wannamaker said she would be seeking a five-month jail sentence for Webdale, who has 54 prior convictions including a previous assault on a police officer.

Graydon adjourned the case to June 27 in Cobourg, encouraging Webdale to write an apology to the neighbour and police.

“Mr. Webdale, you are going to go to jail that day,” Graydon said. “I suggest … you send these people a letter telling them how you feel about your conduct that night. It was inexcusable.”