A wanted man who was trying to ‘lie low’ spat in a police officer’s face and headbutted them after breaking free from arrest and fleeing along Shanklin Esplanade.
Bailey Smith, 26, of no fixed abode, admitted 2 counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker when he appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecutor Serena Edwards told the court that Police attended Shanklin Beach Hotel on 5th July, where Smith – who was wanted at the time – was located.
Smith was told he was being arrested and recalled to prison, but broke free from officers and ran along the Esplanade, pursued by 2 officers.
After being detained again, Smith was handcuffed and restrained but began threatening the officers before spitting at one of them, with saliva landing in their eye and on their cheek.
When a Police van arrived, Smith was forcibly placed inside, but not before headbutting an officer. The court heard that he also attempted to bite the officer, whom he called a “f**king slag”.
Smith has been held at HMP Isle of Wight since his arrest and is set to remain in prison until 13th September.
Defending, Michael McGoldrick said his client knew he was wanted and had been attempting to “lie low” before his arrest. He added that Smith had written a letter of apology to the officers.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Smith will return to the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on 23rd October.
