Police officer receives “blow to mouth” while scuffling with Chesterfield man

The policeman “grappled” with Christopher Hirst, 31, as the defendant tried to flee after giving a false name while being questioned at his Old Whittington address.

Prosecutor Angela Hadfield told Chesterfield Magistrates Court how earlier during the incident on April 12 last year, “agitated” Hirst gave the injured officer along with a female colleague a false name.

However when they returned and identified him by his fingerprints and asked him to accompany them to a police van he “barged” the female officer out of the way.

After grabbing Hirst from behind to prevent him running the male officer felt a “blow to his mouth” - then the PCs gave chase.

Hirst was arrested a short time later.

As well as a cut to his lip, Ms Hadfield said the injured officer suffered cuts to his wrist and neck as well as scratches to his arms and legs.

Hirst, 31, who has a previous conviction in a Scottish court for assaulting a police officer and vandalism - was arrested a short time later.

Solicitor Kate Hempstock said Hirst - who “never accepted” hitting the injured officer - had been waving his arms “to avoid being arrested”.

However she added: “He accepts as a result of his actions the officer fell to the floor - at the time he was living a chaotic lifestyle, taking illicit substances.”

Ms Hempstock said unemployed Hirst was now in “suitable accommodation” and there were “no ongoing issues with drugs or alcohol”.

She described how the defendant - who suffered from severe anxiety and depression and who formerly worked as a taxi driver and in falconry - had been unable to find work due to his ongoing mental health issues.

A magistrate told him: “We note that the offences were aggravated by the fact that you have a previous offence in 2018.

“But we also note that you have greatly-improved over the last year.”

Hirst, of Overleas, Barlow, admitted two counts of resisting police constables.

He was fined £120, made to pay £100 compensation, a £34 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

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