A Sunderland thug had to be pepper-sprayed after launching a violent attack on a police officer during his arrest.
A police officer was repeatedly punched in the face by Andrew Dove and was bitten by his dog when they turned up to an address to arrest him on January 15 this year. The 31-year-old knocked the officer over a kitchen bench and grappled with him before he was eventually detained after an officer delivered a "number of blows" and pepper-sprayed him.
Dove, of Portland Road, Plains Farm, Sunderland, who had also driven a BMW without insurance or a licence on the same day, was found in possession of amphetamines when he was searched. He appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for assaulting a police officer, possession of a class B drug, and driving without insurance or a licence. He had pleaded guilty to the charges.
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Elizabeth Winchester, prosecuting, said police were called to an address in Sunderland and carried out a search before speaking to Dove. She said: "The defendant became agitated and aggressive, shouting f*** off when they tried to arrest him. He tried to run out of a rear door and an officer grabbed him to detain him. The defendant then knocked the officer over but the officer kept hold of him and a grapple ensued. The defendant pushed the officer off balance, over a kitchen bench and distraction blows were delivered to the defendant."
Ms Winchester added: "The defendant's dog then bit the officer's right arm, no injury was caused but there was pain. He continued to resist arrest and punched the officer in the face, causing immediate pain and bleeding to the upper lip. He punched the officer in the head and torso. Another police officer interjected and detained him using spray, he continued to resist arrest, handcuffs were put on him and a number of blows were delivered to apprehend him."
The court heard that Dove had also driven a BMW in the Hendon area that same day, despite being uninsured and having no licence. An amount of amphetamine was also found in his possession. Dove had five previous convictions for eight offences, including assault in 2016 for which he was jailed for four months.
Chris Wilson, defending, said Dove is a "gentleman who has significant pressures upon him" and cares for his dad and uncle. He said the reason why police went to arrest Dove was in connection to "disharmony within the family unit". He said: "He has accepted he has done wrong and pleaded guilty. He has been in full time employment and had his own window-cleaning business."
Sentencing Dove, District Judge Zoe Passiter said: "This was a prolonged attack where you repeatedly punched a police officer. You have shown no remorse and attempted to blame the victim for what you did." Dove was jailed for 12 weeks and was banned from driving for 12 months and six weeks. He was also given eight points on his licence.
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