Telford man who assaulted police officers given second chance after 'turning life around'

Mattox had admitted a total six charges - three counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker, one charge of common assault on an emergency worker, one count of criminal damage, and another charge of assault by beating.

The court heard that the first set of offences had been committed on August 12, with the second set on November 29, while on bail for the first offences.

The guilty pleas also meant that Mattox was in breach of a two-year suspended jail sentence.

Simon Hanns, prosecuting, said that the first incident had taken place late on the evening of August 12, when Mattox assaulted his sister - pulling her hair, then punching her in the head, while intoxicated.

The police were called and attended and said was "immediately irate and aggressive".

He was said to have told officers: "I smashed my sister's head for taking my dog and if you come anywhere near me you are getting the same as her."

Mr Hanns said Mattox had disappeared but 'lunged' at a female police officer when discovered, pushing her in the chest.

The court heard that the second incident related to police being called after Mattox was reported to have thrown a child's bicycle at a house.

When police attended Mattox urged his dog to bite one of the officers - although the dog did not follow the instructions.

Mr Hanns said Mattox had tried to punch an officer, and then spat at another before he was fitted with a 'spit guard' and taken to custody.

While at the police station he kicked another officer in the leg.

A victim impact statement from the officer who was spat at described the assault as "absolutely revolting", and "not something I would wish on anyone".

Dylan Wagg, mitigating on behalf of Mattox, urged the court not to send him to prison, saying he had "turned his life around" since the incidents.

He said that he was remorseful over his actions, and accepted spitting at the officer had been "disgusting".

Mr Wagg said that at the time of the incidents Mattox had been struggling with alcohol and drugs, but had since turned his life around, and was now an active member of a local church.

He added that he had volunteered, helped at a local allotment, is part of a men's mental health group, and had recently taken part in a charity sleep out to raise money in support of veterans.

He said: "The Stefan Mattox who sits in the dock is not the same Stefan Mattox who committed these offences some time ago."

He added: "He has turned his life around."

Mr Wagg added that Mattox was also extremely worried about the fate of his dog if he were sent to prison, with concerns he may lose the dog forever.

He added: "He is now turning to other men in his church saying 'look at the position I was in, that is not where you want to be.

"He is learning from his mistakes and is using them to stop people becoming what he was some time ago."

Sentencing, Judge Richard McConaghy said spitting at the officer was "disgusting", and added that the damage to the child's bike might have been the least serious offence, but "it is cruel and mean to attack something that belongs to a child".

He said he had 'just' reached the conclusion he could suspend Mattox's sentence, saying: "I take the view - just - you have a realistic prospect of of rehabilitation."

Mattox was sentenced to a combined eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order he must complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a three month alcohol treatment programme.