Man to be sentenced for headbutting South Yorkshire police officer

Richard Hill, aged 30, formerly of Lee Croft, Maltby, Rotherham, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday accused of assaulting PC Jack Deakin, who works on Rotherham’s Fortify Team.

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Hill was also charged with affray, criminal damage and assault of an emergency worker.

He entered guilty pleas to all charges and is to be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, February 24.

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PC Deakin suffered serious facial injuries while arresting Hill, who had been circulated as wanted.

Hill headbutted PC Deakin and assaulted one of his colleagues during his arrest on Saturday, February 1.

Chief Superintendent Una Jennings, District Commander for Rotherham, said: “PC Jack Deakin is a rising star here in Rotherham – he was recently awarded our ‘Probationer of the Year’ due to his passion for policing and commitment to keeping people safe.

“I’ve also personally awarded Jack a District Commander’s Commendation for his support to the public during the floods in Fishlake, Doncaster, last year. He truly went above and beyond to help the local community there, showing his compassion and care for the public whom he serves.

“To learn that he had been deliberately and violently assaulted while on duty, apprehending a suspect, was a real shock and I am pleased that the defendant has admitted responsibility for this offence and others.”

Chf Supt Jennings added: “No officer should face violence or abuse in the line of duty, yet every day our brave men and women put on their uniforms, head to work and respond to incidents where they don’t know what they may face.

“As you can see, Jack’s injuries are quite significant and it is testament to his commitment to the force and the public that he reported for duty the next day with no fuss.

“We have absolutely zero tolerance for any individual who feels it is appropriate to verbally or physically abuse our officers, who are there to keep the public safe, and will always seek to prosecute those individuals to the full extent of the law.”