Alcohol order for Pc's attacker

Officers had responded to similar calls from either Kenneth Hunter or his partner more than 100 times before, Leeds Crown Court was told yesterday.

On February 17 the officers who arrived at the house in Malkin Lane, The Malkins, in Castleford, following a call from his girlfriend found Hunter in bed.

He was woken up and got dressed but when told he was being arrested he became aggressive and abused Pc Wesley Kingsley.

Catherine Duffy, prosecuting, told the court when the officer tried to handcuff Hunter he grabbed the Pc's stab vest and pushed him. Both fell over with Hunter landing on top of the officer and in the struggle that followed the Pc's shoulder was dislocated. He called out in pain and other officers arrived to assist him. Hunter was still struggling and was punched in the face three times before he was finally handcuffed. Once in the police van he continued to abuse officers and threaten them.

The injured officer was taken to hospital where his shoulder was manipulated and his arm put into a sling.

Hunter later apologised saying he had drunk seven pints of cider and beer and had no recollection of injuring him.

Brian Hurst, defending, said the callouts reflected a "microcosm of an alcoholic life" showing Hunter clearly needed help to address his drinking problem for the benefit of society.

Hunter, 42, who admitted assaulting the PC, was given nine months' supervision and ordered to attend an alcohol treatment course.