The violent assault left the officer, Special Constable Jack Capener, with a broken nose that required stitches and saw the attacker, Liam Moriarty, jailed for two and a half years
A violent thug was caught on CCTV headbutting a police officer with such force that both men collapse unconscious in a hospital corridor.
The violent assault left the officer with a broken nose that required stitches and saw the attacker jailed for two and a half years. CCTV footage shows Liam Moriarty, 31, launching the attack at Special Constable Jack Capener in Bedford Hospital after being brought in for treatment following a car crash.
The impact knocks both men out cold as the pair slump to the floor. Moriarty, 31, had been arrested after a car he was in was involved in a collision in Shefford, Beds., on September 6 last year. After sustaining injuries in the crash, he was taken to Bedford Hospital where the attack unfolded.
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The officer later required treatment from specialist practitioners and was found to have suffered a broken nose. Moriarty continued his violent outburst after the headbutt, spitting in the face of another officer and causing more than £5,000 worth of damage to hospital equipment.
Earlier this year Moriarty, of no fixed address, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage to hospital equipment.
At Luton Crown Court on February 27, he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, minus the six months he had already spent on remand. Two further charges of damaging property and handling stolen goods were ordered to lie on file.
The police officer was unable to return to duty for almost two months following the attack. Special Constable Jack Capener, who was attacked, 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 courts recognition that assaults on emergency workers are unacceptable.”
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.”
Bedfordshire Police say almost 30 officers are assaulted every month while on duty.
