Walsall man bit police officer after arrest at Telford Travelodge

Christopher Davies, of Horseshoe Close, Walsall, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court after admitting one charge of assault on an emergency worker.

The court heard that the 54-year-old has convictions for 66 previous offences.

Danny Smith, prosecuting, said that the assault on the police officer had taken place on the evening of June 22 last year.

The court heard that police had been called to disturbance reported between a man and a woman at the Travelodge in Southwater.

Mr Smith said that when officers arrived at the scene Davies tried to leave, and gave his name as ‘Michael’.

The court was told Davies had been described as “intoxicated” and was ultimately arrested by officers.

But Mr Smith said the defendant had resisted and made threats towards the officers and was taken to the ground and pepper sprayed.

Davies was then taken to Malinsgate Police Station.

While being held he was asked to change clothes because of health and safety issues.

During the process an officer had tried to remove a gold chain from the defendant, which led to a struggle in which Davies sank his teeth into an officer’s hand.

Mr Smith said the incident had caused “serious harm” to the officer, as well as concern that he may have suffered an infection from the attack.

Davies’ barrister said the 54-year-old was “ashamed” of his actions, has expressed remorse, and “bitterly regrets” his behaviour.

The court was told that Davies has suffered with health issues, has had strokes, currently has 30 per cent heart function, and is on a “quite formidable” mix of medication.

Judge Recorder Julian Taylor interjected saying: “It is about time he left the life of crime behind him at his age quite frankly.”

Sentencing Recorder Taylor said: “This was an unpleasant incident. You were arrested, you bit this police officer on the hand causing him worry not knowing if he would he would get infected.”

He added: “You cannot carry on behaving like this. You have got an appalling record. You are now in your 50s and you are not in the best of health.

“You really need to put all this behind you and try and have a better lifestyle.”

Davies was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay £200 compensation to his victim.

Recorder Taylor added: “I am giving you a chance here. If you fail to take that chance you will go to prison.”