Cage fighter put PC in ‘deadly’ chokehold

A POLICEMAN had to fight for his life as a teenager held him down with a mixed martial arts-style chokehold.

Mirko Novansky pinned the 16-stone, 6ft 2in officer to the ground by wrapping his legs around his neck.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard PC Graeme Hunter – who is several inches taller and five stone heavier than his assailant – was left gasping for air and had been traumatised by the incident. Fiscal depute Vicki Bell told the hearing Novansky fled from outside a bar when he saw the officer and his colleague, so they gave chase.

She said: ‘PC Hunter caught up and put his hands round the accused’s waist.

‘His momentum put them over a fence and both ended up on the ground. The accused wrapped his legs around the officer’s neck from behind. His breathing was restricted and he could feel the accused punching him on the head... he was being held face down.

‘It was a mixed martial arts manoeuvre and he formed the opinion the accused was well versed with the technique.’

The other officer managed to pull Novansky away and handcuff him. Miss Bell said: ‘PC Hunter was coughing, struggling for breath and visibly shaken. The mode of assault had the potential to cause death.’

When questioned by police, Novansky said: ‘I did it and I’m sorry.’

Novansky, 18, of Dundee, admitted assaulting and injuring PC Hunter on April 27 last year. Sheriff Thomas Hughes ordered reports and granted bail while deferring sentence until next month.