Police officer bit man’s nose after pub ‘banter’
AN OFF-DUTY police officer bit a man on the nose in a “moment of madness” after rising to pub banter.
PC James Morgans and his victim knew each other through playing in pool tournaments.
But after a day drinking with friends Morgans reacted to the comments from the man and grabbed him and bit him.
A judge said the conviction of the 47-year-old constable – who is also a prominent member of the local rugby club – had “polarised opinion” in the community and he urged members of the public to let the matter rest.
Morgans had denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm but was convicted following a trial at Swansea Crown Court, where he returned yesterday for sentencing.
The court heard that in the early hours of April 17 last year Morgans and his victim found themselves in the Old Coach House pub in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire.
Both had been drinking and socialising separately – Morgans since 4pm the previous day.
Nik Stroble, prosecuting, said the men knew each other from playing in pool tournaments.
The court heard the victim began engaging in “banter” about pool with the off-duty Dyfed-Powys Police constable and that “the defendant did not respond well” to what was said.
The prosecutor said Morgans eventually grabbed the man, pulled him towards him, and then bit him on the nose, only letting go when he was pulled off by people in the bar.
Mr Stroble said the bite lasted around 15 seconds.
The victim went first to his sister’s house, then to Withybush Hospital, where he was treated for a tooth mark to the bridge of his nose and a cut to the side of his nose.
In his subsequent police interview Morgans was to describe his victim as a “cocky little git”.
In an impact statement read to court the victim said the incident had left him wary of going out at night and distrustful of the police.
He also said he was concerned about the possible repercussions for himself and his family of making a complaint against someone who was a serving police officer and a prominent member of Fishguard RFC.
Paul Hobson, for Morgans, said the consequences of his client’s actions that night would be farreaching for the married dad of one, resulting in the loss of good name and “the inevitable loss of his career”.
He added that the personal references he had handed to the court on behalf of the defendant were “ones that anyone would be proud to have”.
Judge Geraint Walters described Morgans as a dedicated police officer who had contributed much to the community of Fishguard before his “moment of madness” in the pub.
But he said on the night in question, after consuming a large quantity of alcohol, the defendant had “lost normal self-control and discipline” and “risen to the banter” of the man at the bar.
Morgans, of Goodwick, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
He was also made the subject of a three-year restraining order banning him from contacting his victim.
The court heard Morgans was due to face a force disciplinary hearing next week.