Man jailed in Manchester under new law protecting emergency workers

By Kim Pilling28th November 201823rd December 2018News EnglandAccident and Emergency, Courts / Justice, Justice, News England, NHS, Violence, Workforce

A man has been jailed under new legislation brought in to consider stiffer sentences for attacks on emergency workers.

Daniel Hilton, 27, from Leigh, Greater Manchester, was jailed for three months after he sank his teeth into the thigh of a police constable who responded to reports of a man with a knife.

Hilton (pictured), of Hawthorn Grove, was eventually restrained on Saturday by the officer who used a Taser on him.

He pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court to assault by beating of an emergency worker.

Defendants can be sentenced to a maximum of one year in jail under the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill, as opposed to the previous maximum six-month jail term for a conviction of common assault.

Following sentencing, Assistant Chief Constable Annette Anderson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Members of the emergency services often put themselves in harm’s way to protect others and this incident is no different.

“Being attacked when you are simply trying to do your job is something no-one should have to face but being targeted while you are coming to the rescue of others is nothing short of inexcusable.

“As we do in any case, we will robustly pursue those who use violence against those responding to 999 calls and will do everything in our power, with the newly welcomed legislation, to protect the protectors.”