News

'Appalling' engineer spat in PC's face while drunk

By Mike Wright
August 26, 2011

AN ENGINEER spat at a policeman when he was arrested for drunkenly fighting with a friend after a night out in Fleet.

Sam Rogers's spit hit PC Kevan Wright in the face as he stood near him at Aldershot Police Station, a court heard.

The 21-year-old had tried to punch a friend earlier in the night but came off worse in the struggle.Appearing at Aldershot Magistrates' Court on Thursday last week he said he had behaved like an animal but had no recollection of the incident.

Prosecutor Fiona McMurray said Rogers had been heavily drinking in Fleet on August 6 and was walking home with a friend at around 2.45am.

She said an argument broke out between the pair and witnesses called the police after they saw Rogers throw a punch.His friend then struck back and left Rogers with a cut over his eye.

When officers arrived they said Rogers's friend was calm and helpful but the defendant was hostile and started swearing at them.

Miss McMurray said Rogers, of All Saints Crescent, continued to be aggressive after receiving a warning from police and was arrested.

She said: "He had been put in a holding cell prior to entering the custody suite. He was about 12 inches from PC Wright when he spat in his face and was arrested for assault."

In his interview with police Rogers said his behaviour had been completely out of character.

He also said he had caused the trouble with his friend but come off second best.

Miss McMurray added: "When asked to comment on his behaviour in the police station he said it was not acceptable at any time and said 'I behaved like an animal'."

Defending Rogers, Peter Little said that dealing with his client today he had found him to be courteous and polite."It is very strange to have some in court for the first time and have them act like a complete gentleman," he said.

The magistrates were told that Rogers, who admitted assaulting a constable and using threatening behaviour, worked with his father as a pump engineer.

Court chairman Michael Bristow said: "It would appear to me your behaviour was totally unacceptable. You were drunk and you were out of control.

"You told us you have no memory of the events. That's appalling."

Magistrates gave Rogers a one-year community order with 100 hours of unpaid community work. He also ordered Rogers to pay PC Wright £50 compensation as well as £105 in court costs and a £15 surcharge towards a fund for the victims of crime.

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