A man who violently attacked two Bedfordshire Police officers, headbutting one so hard that both men were knocked unconscious, has been jailed for two and a half years.
Liam Moriarty, 31, of no fixed address, assaulted Special Constable Jack Capener after being arrested on 6 September last year following a collision in Shefford.
Having suffered injuries in the crash, he was taken to Bedford Hospital for treatment, where the assault took place.
Moriarty headbutted SPC Capener with such force that he required stitches and was later found by ENT specialists to have a broken nose.
Moriarty then continued his violent behaviour inside the hospital, causing more than £5,000 worth of damage to medical equipment and spitting in the face of another officer.
He admitted to inflicting grievous bodily harm, assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage. Two additional charges were ordered to lie on file. He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday, 27 February.
“Shocking and cowardly attack”
SPC Capener said: “Every officer knows there is a potential for danger any time you go out. Running towards danger is a part of the job, but being assaulted is not.
“This was a horrible attack that came while we were caring for someone in our custody. We take every precaution, but sometimes keeping the public safe unfortunately comes at a cost.
“I welcome Moriarty’s sentence and the court’s recognition that assaults on emergency workers are unacceptable.”
He was unable to return to duty for almost two months following the attack.
Chief Inspector Emma Nicol of Bedfordshire Police said: “This was a shocking and cowardly attack on an officer who was simply trying to do their job, and I am pleased Moriarty has received a considerable custodial sentence.
“It is a reminder that every single day, officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe.
“This was a man who attacked officers when they had tried to assist him by taking him to hospital. I would like to commend the actions of the officers who behaved with exemplary restraint and courage.”
30 Bedfordshire officers assaulted each month
On average, almost 30 Bedfordshire Police officers are assaulted every month.
The force’s response to officer assaults, known as Maggie’s Law, ensures enhanced welfare support for every officer who is attacked on duty.
The initiative is named after the daughter of PC Jon Henry, who was killed in the line of duty in 2017.
