A man who tried to bite an arresting police officer at home in Pembroke Dock has been fined in court.
Thirty-five-year-old Benjamin Paul Watts, of Bush Street, pleaded guilty to resisting an officer in the execution of their duty, when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court, on Tuesday.
Prosecutor Ellie Morgan told the court that during the early hours of Saturday, October 28, police officers attended the defendant’s address to deal with an unrelated matter.
“Officers spoke to Mr. Watts to explain why they were there, but he became anxiety ridden and aggressive, and was not listening to what they were saying,” said Ms Morgan, explaining that they became concerned about the defendant’s body language as he was creating distance between himself and them, and backing towards the kitchen, where officers were concerned about the fact that there were a number of sharp implements in reach.
Mr. Watts told officers ‘you’re not going to take me away’ when they tried to arrest him on an another matter and resisted arrest.
A struggle ensued and Mr. Watts tried to bite one of the officers on at least two occasions, and eventually he was taken to the floor in a controlled manner.
Ms Morgan told the court that Mr. Watts had a history of violence and drinking on his record.
Defence solicitor Mark Layton told the court that the prosecution case wasn’t accepted in its entirety.
“Mr. Watts suffers mental health issues and had taken too much medication that day and after recognising that he felt poorly, he dialled 999 for an ambulance.
“At one stage there were eight police officers at his address, and their presence made him feel uncomfortable. He did struggle because he is small in size and felt vulnerable,” continued Mr. Layton, who explained that his client was still serving a community order that had almost run its course.
Magistrates fined Mr. Watts £40 for the offence and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.