Chief backs 90 officers assaulted on duty

Chief Constable Bill Skelly has praised the work of his officers for putting themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis, having made statements in support of 90 officers who have been assaulted whilst on duty so far this year.

The statements are made by the Chief Constable whenever one of his officers is assaulted, to detail to the judiciary the potential impact of an assault on the officer, their family, friends, colleagues, the force, and society as a whole.

He said: “While I am happy to demonstrate my commitment, it saddens me that I have had to write statements in support of 90 officers, PCSOs and staff members so far. That’s 90 victims from within Lincolnshire Police, some of whom were assaulted two or three times in various incidents, just for doing their job.

“I have been heartened with some of the court results, with several people having received prison sentences or suspended sentences in aggravated cases, and others having received community orders or rehabilitation orders.

“It is clear that the message is gaining support from the judiciary, and I hope that through my impact statements and my vocal contribution for the forthcoming “Protect the Protectors” bill, we will encourage people to think twice and not assault a member of Lincolnshire Police.

“On behalf of myself and the other chief officers at the force, I want to thank the serving officers of Lincolnshire for putting themselves in harm’s way to keep Lincolnshire safe.”

Locally, two men have been sentenced for attacks on the police.

Benjamin Lovell (27), of Market Place, Donington, was given a four-month jail sentence for head-butting an officer during arrest, kicking an officer in the head and spitting in the face of an officer.

Matthew Warner (20), of Tudor Place, Deeping St James, was given 150 hours of community service for assaulting an officer.