A spitting thug who headbutted a police officer had to be restrained on the ground by police and a 'spit guard' put on his face. The drastic action was taken by police officers who turned up at an address in West Hill, Sutton-in-Ashfield, in response to a "domestic disturbance," Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard.
A distressed woman was at the address. Mark Bell was also there when police arrived and he was asked to go into a kitchen. He headbutted one officer as he put handcuffs on him and he was arrested for assaulting him. He stood trial for this and was convicted.
Bell tried to shoulder-barge the officer out of the way and, in response, the cop delivered two knee strikes to him. The officer then took him to the ground to gain control of the situation, then got him to his feet and escorted him to a police vehicle.
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As he did this, Bell was shouting to the upset woman again. He drew a lot of spit into his mouth, explained Lottie Tyler, prosecuting on Thursday, June 16. He forced the spit out of his mouth into the direction of a door the officer was about to open. The spit landed on the rear driver's side window.
Bell launched spit a second time towards the passenger side footwell on July 30 last year. Due to his behaviour, a secure van was requested by police to prevent him from being able to spit at officers.
He was restrained to the ground and the 'spit guard' applied and he was sat down leaning against the back of the vehicle. He was constantly shouting and swearing, and made a lewd racist comment, leading to his arrest. As well as admitting the assault, he admitted racially-aggravated threatening behaviour.
Bell, 46, of West Hill, has 38 convictions for 83 offences, including five offences against the person between 1996 and 2016, and three public order offences. He was last before the court for criminal damage and battery.
His job was described as a "window technician" and his salary is £1,500 a month. Bell was jailed for the assault for 12 weeks but this was suspended for 12 months with the condition he is not convicted of another offence. He must do 120 hours of unpaid work, and 15 rehabilitation activity days.
He was fined £400 for the racially-aggravated behaviour and ordered to pay the officer £250. Additionally, he has to pay a victim surcharge and costs.
