Warsop dad’s violent struggle with cops on bloodstained floor to stop them arresting son
A Warsop dad who swung a stairgate in a violent struggle with police officers on a bloodstained kitchen floor was trying to stop them from arresting his son, a court has heard.
Grant Wright's adult son caused a disturbance at the family home in Church Warsop and a 999 call was made on August 25, said Abigail Hill, prosecuting.
Even though the family called back to say the situation was resolved two officers conducted a welfare check and established that Wright's son had argued with his girlfriend and injured himself by smashing a window.
When they spoke to him they saw he was visibly injured and there was a large amount of blood on the kitchen floor.
The officers tried to arrest him for criminal damage, said Ms Hill.
"It's fair to say at that point the situation took a significant turn for the worse,” she added.
The defendant and his wife explained their son had mental health issues and was injured but the officers proceeded with the arrest.
Wright, aged 46, became verbally abusive, swung a stairgate at one officer and a “violent struggle unfolded”.
During the tussle one officer slipped over in the blood and landed on his back with the defendant on top of him and his forearm briefly across his neck. A charge of intentional strangulation was later discontinued.
Wright’s son was de-arrested and no further action was taken against him. Wright himself was handcuffed and arrested. He apologised and said he didn't know what he was doing, Nottingham Crown Court was told.
Lauren Manuel, mitigating, said Wright, of previous good character, suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.
“The officers attended for a welfare check and the family were entirely compliant,” she said.
Wright, of Birch Street, Church Warsop, admitted a public order offence and assaulting an emergency worker when he appeared in court on October 9.
On Thursday, Judge James Sampson told him: "Your behaviour towards the police officers was totally unacceptable. They were there really to help. Fortunately no injuries were suffered and you said sorry almost immediately. I am going to take a very lenient line."
Imposing an 18 month conditional discharge, the judge said: "If you stay out of trouble for the next 18 months that will be the end of it."