Man jailed for assaulting South Yorkshire Police officer

A MAN who assaulted two female Barnsley police officers will be spending his Christmas behind bars after being sentenced yesterday, Wednesday 27 November at Barnsley Magistrates Court.

At around 2am on Tuesday 26 November, the two officers were patrolling in the Monk Bretton area of Barnsley when they witnessed a man driving his car erratically.

The officers quickly located the vehicle on Lamb Lane. However, when the man got out of the car, it became apparent that the man was under the influence of drink or drugs. The officers tried to lead the man to their car, concerned for his safety but he became verbally and physically aggressive, attacking the two officers.

In court the judge heard how 32-year-old Kane Taylor from Monk Breton laid on top of an officer and forced his fingers into her eyes while she lay helpless on the floor and struck another officer across her face.

Both officers attended Barnsley District Hospital to be checked over. They were later discharged and despite their injuries, they returned to work the next evening.

Taylor was sentenced to 44 weeks imprisonment after pleading guilty to two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker, taking a motor vehicle without the owner’ s consent, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified and failing to provide a specimen of breath.

T/Chief Superintendent Sarah Poolman said: “I hope the sentencing of Taylor sends out a strong message to those who think it is acceptable to assault officers while on duty.

“Officers expect and frequently deal with challenging and difficult situations, but it is not part of their job to be physically attacked.

“Throughout court Taylor showed complete disregard for police and the court staff, and throughout his time in custody he was abusive and violent. We hope yesterday’s sentencing will act as a reminder that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and will act as some form of consolation to the officers affected.”