"We don't come to work to be assaulted." These were the words of two police officers who were attacked when they responded to a call in March last year.
As it turned out the original problem was not pursued. But when police called on Jordan Hardy he was aggressive, kicking one officer in the jaw and shoving another, Bristol Crown Court heard.
Hardy, 24, of Ellenborough Road, Weston-super-Mare, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker. He also admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
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Yesterday (Thursday) Judge Michael Cullum handed Hardy a 12-month community order, with rehabilitation, a mental health treatment requirement and £240 compensation. The judge told him: "The general position is people who hurt police officers who are doing their duty go to prison.
"You are not going to prison today. The main reason is I accept your background and issues that you have."
Charlotte Evans, prosecuting, said police attended at Hardy's address where he was being restrained on a bed by his partner. As police tried to calm him he kicked his legs out, kicking an officer in the jaw.
Miss Evans said: "The defendant smelled of intoxicating liquor, was slurring, volatile and was unsteady on his feet. He shouted at police to leave him."
The court heard Hardy shoved an officer back, which caused his gums to impact on his teeth. He was then restrained and arrested.
One officer made an impact statement saying he had to take time off the job he loves and a second officer stated Hardy showed no remorse for his actions. Both stated they didn't go to work to be assaulted.
Hardy told police he had suffered flashbacks after being stabbed in his neck and arm. He said at the time he had not realised people present were police, he panicked and he was very sorry.
Gregory Gordon, defending, said his client fully accepted alcohol played a part in what happened. But he told the court his client had suffered extreme trauma in his life from which he bore scars both physical and emotional.
Mr Gordon said: "He is very apologetic and genuinely remorseful. He didn't want this to happen. He didn't want to be somebody who behaved this way."
Mr Gordon added that Hardy had a strong support network. He said Hardy was willing to pay compensation and was "motivated and hopeful" about undergoing rehabilitation.
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