Man who headbutted police officer jailed

A man who violently attacked one Bedfordshire Police officer and spat in the face of another has been jailed for two and a half years.

Liam Moriarty headbutted Special Constable Jack Capener with such force both men were left unconscious.

SPC Capener was later examined by specialist Ear, Nose and Throat practitioners where he was found to have a broken nose requiring stitches.

The attack took place on 6 September last year, when Moriarty, 31, was arrested after a car he was travelling in had been involved in a collision in Shefford.

Having sustained injuries in the collision, Moriarty was transported to Bedford Hospital where the assault on SPC Capener occurred.

While receiving medical treatment for further injuries after headbutting SPC Capener, Moriarty continued his violent outburst which resulted in damage costing more than £5,000 to hospital equipment. Another officer was also abused.

Earlier this year, Moriarty, of no fixed address, admitted charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage to hospital equipment.

On Friday 27 February, Moriarty was sentenced at Luton Crown Court to a total of two and a half years’ imprisonment, minus the six months he has already spent on remand.

Two further charges of damaging property and handling stolen goods were ordered to lie on file.

SPC Capener, who could not return to duty for almost two months after the attack, 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.

“It’s 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’d 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.”

On average almost 30 Bedfordshire Police officers are assaulted every month while on duty. Through the force’s ‘Maggie’s law’ response, every officer receives enhanced welfare support following an assault. The initiative is named after the daughter of PC Jon Henry, who was killed in the line of duty in 2017.

Under this, any officer who’s assaulted is contacted by a senior officer and guided towards support.