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Man who tried to free suspect is sent back to prison




'He simply got involved in business he shouldn't have,' court told

A NEWBURY man who tried to free an arrested suspect was recalled to prison, town magistrates heard.

Brian David Hanton, of Newtown Road, had been released from jail on licence when he intervened in a police operation, the court was told on Thursday, May 14.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, said an officer was arresting a female suspect in Pound Street, Newbury, when the 53-year-old decided to get involved.

She added: “The woman was aggressive and struggling and the officer was trying to deal with her.

“The defendant then appeared and took hold of the officer’s shoulder and pulled him backwards, saying: ‘Get off her’.

“The officer shouted at him to get off but he continued to try to prevent the arrest, grabbing the officer’s stab vest and pulling him backwards.”

Mr Hanton then tried to drag the woman clear but, despite the mayhem, both eventually ended up in custody, the court heard.

Ms Waite concluded: “He had simply decided to get involved in business that he shouldn’t have.”

Mr Hanton, who has previous convictions, admitted obstructing an officer in the execution of his duty on March 22 this year.

The court heard that, as a result of his actions, Mr Hanton was recalled to prison, where he spent the remaining 14 days of his sentence for a previous, unspecified offences.

Mike Davis, defending, said his client had a long-standing alcohol problem and added: “He didn’t need to intervene, but he did.

“As a result of his prison sentence, he is currently being supervised and that’s going quite well.”

Magistrates made Mr Hanton subject to a six-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a £15 statutory surcharge.



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