Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Sara Nichol

Birtley lout attacked police officer just TWO HOURS after prison release

A violent lout is back behind bars after he attacked a police officer just two hours after being released from prison.

Andrew Macphail had only been a free man for 48 hours having finished a sentence at HMP Durham when he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly on a street in Gateshead. A court heard that the 20-year-old, who has previously served time behind bars for assaulting constables, was taken to Forth Banks Police Station, where he lashed-out and kicked an officer in the shin.

No injuries were caused but the thug, of Rutland Square, in Birtley, was further arrested and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court two weeks later to plead guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly. He was remanded in custody to next appear back at the same court on December 2 for sentence.

Read More: Fenham takeaway owner in court accused of leaving customer with 'lasting' hearing damage

Greg Flaxen, prosecuting, said Macphail was arrested for being drunk and disorderly on Reginald Street on November 8 this year. He was taken for Forth Banks Police Station, where he lashed-out at the constable. Mr Flaxen added: "He's assaulted the police officer just two hours after being released from prison.

"He was a serving prisoner at HMP Durham. He has also served previous sentences for assaulting police officers. The assault is a kick to the shin."

Ruth Foster, defending, said Macphail had mental health issues and had no recollection of the incident. She continued: "He was released from prison on November 8. All indications are that he will attend Probation appointments and we don't see any reason why he would not comply with post-sentence supervision."

Reserving Macphail's sentence to himself, District Judge Paul Currer said: "You're remanded in custody. I'm concerned about the state you are in as you seem to have difficulty understanding what's going on. To make sure you attend and commit no further offences, you will be remanded in custody until the next hearing."

Read Next

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.