Mansfield man kicked cop after ex-partner ‘set him up’ to breach court order
A Mansfield man who kicked out at a police officer after his ex-partner “set him up” to breach a court order was trying to save his ex’s life, magistrates have heard.
Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard Daniel Northridge’s ex, who lives in the flat above his, contacted him to say he was going to commit suicide, on September 30.
Northridge went round, contravening a domestic violence protection order, and fell asleep in the flat, but his ex-partner called the police.
Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting, said that when officers arrived at 6pm, he was being “difficult” and kicked the officer, but no injury was caused.
Northridge, aged 30, of St John’s Place, Mansfield, admitted assaulting an emergency worker.
Ryan Higginbotham, mitigating, said Northridge has had to intervene in the past following previous similar incidents.
“Through his compassionate nature, he breached the order and went around to assist,” Mr Higginbotham said.
“He was effectively set up. This led to frustrations which he expressed in the wrong way.”
The court heard Northridge has suffered a number of tragic bereavements in the past which “was why he took the threat so seriously”.
He has been diagnosed with several mental health issues, but has “not touched a drop of alcohol for six weeks”.
He is now working with a substance misuse charity, has started a job at Costa and is training for a nursing qualification.
The court order was made for 28 days on September 17, and he last appeared before the courts in June 2020.
He was fined £200 and ordered to pay an £80 surcharge and £50 compensation.