Enforcement Officer assault leads to suspended prison sentence

A 36-year-old man who assaulted a Canterbury City Council Enforcement Officer and unleashed torrents of abuse at three others on various occasions has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Ben Barratt of Central Parade, Herne Bay, was sentenced to 90 days in prison, suspended for 18 months, when he appeared at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 December, after pleading guilty to assault by beating, three offences under the Public Order Act, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

He was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation.

The incidents were all captured in Central Parade, Herne Bay, on the body-worn cameras of the officers involved. The first took place in January and the others, including the assault, within a week in June.

Canterbury City Council’s Lead Councillor for Enforcement, Cllr Ashley Clark, said: “Such thuggery merits condemnation and the full weight of the law. Our Enforcement Officers are good people performing a necessary role and simply do not deserve to be treated in this way.

“Be warned, we will always push for those who are abusive and violent to be prosecuted. We expect the fullest backing of the courts when it comes to sentencing.

“The footage shows our officers remained polite, dignified and professional while being faced by a barrage of abuse. It knocks the nonsense peddled on social media about them being power-crazed jobsworths on the head.

“It is obvious but needs spelling out to some. Respect the rules and those who have the task of enforcing them. 

“These are the same people who often called upon to give first aid, help deal with car accidents, search for missing people, support others under severe mental strain and provide other acts of simple help and kindness.

“In fact, if Barratt needed their help now or in the future, they simply wouldn’t hesitate.”
 

Published: 18 December 2020