‘YOU’D BETTER BE READY FOR A FIGHT’

Man tasered after confronting cops

ANGRY Karl Rutter confronted police with a knuckle duster and a baton when they were called to his house.

Police were responding to a report of a ‘possible domestic incident’ at a property on Ashcroft Grove, in Newcastle, when they were threatened by the 37-year-old, right.

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard officers ended up using PAVA spray and a Taser in order to detain Rutter on August 8.

Prosecutor Alicia Perry said: “Two police officers were greeted by a female. She said, ‘If he sees you he will go mad’.

“The defendant had been drinking and had passed out on the kitchen floor.

“The defendant came to the door. The officers saw in his right hand a silver knuckle duster. Moments later the defendant appeared at the door again. He was showing signs of aggression towards both officers.

“He said, ‘If you think you are taking me, you little ****, you’d better be ready for a fight’. He raised his right hand, where he had the knuckle duster. There was an indication he was prepared to use it towards them.”

The court heard Rutter then pulled a black extendable baton from his shorts. One of the officers deployed his PAVA spray and - as Rutter retreated into the house - his Taser, bringing the defendant to the ground.

Rutter was arrested and taken to hospital to be checked over. When he was interviewed, he admitted having the weapons and threatening the officers, but denied any intention to use them.

He pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke violence. He has no previous convictions.

Hamish Noble, mitigating, said Rutter was suffering a ‘crisis’ at the time of the offence.

He said: “This was an offence committed against a background of deteriorating mental health. In 2018 he was working as a car sprayer. He developed an infection in his nasal cavities which got so bad he had to stop working.

“This led to debts building up. It led to anxiety and depression. There was something of a crisis the day before this offence and his mother contacted the emergency mental health team.

“Unfortunately help did not come quickly enough. His drinking continued. He argued with his brother and there were difficulties with his partner. This led to the call to the police, not by his partner, but someone else.”

Magistrates handed Rutter a 10-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.