A POLICE officer needs reconstructive surgery after stopping his patrol car to help an arrested man who was harming himself.

Shaun Kelly was in a police vehicle while under arrest on suspicion of assault when he pulled a shoelace around his neck. PC Craig Rimmer became fearful for his safety and stopped the car.

The officer intervened as Mr Kelly, who was under the influence of alcohol, continued to be aggressive and tighten the shoelace, Bolton Crown Court heard yesterday.

Mr Kelly repeatedly kicked PC Rimmer in the legs and chest, leaving him in “excruciating pain” with serious injuries, including ruptured ligaments in his leg and damage to cartilage.

Judge Richard Gioserano issued a warning and said: “People must know that police officers are not to be treated as punching bags for people with alcohol and anger management problems.”

The attack took place in the early hours of July 19, 2018. Police attended Mr Kelly’s home in Montserrat Road, Bolton just before midnight, said prosecutor Simon Barrett, who added: “Police were called by the ambulance to his home address where he lives with his parents. He was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his father.”

Mr Kelly was put into the back of a police car. Mr Barrett said: “The defendant became aggressive.

“He placed a shoelace around his throat. Police officers became concerned about his safety.”

The officers stopped the vehicle in Moss Bank Way to prevent him using the lace.

Mr Barrett said: “He continued to be violent and pull the cord tighter around his neck.”

PC Rimmer used two distraction strikes around Mr Kelly’s ribs. PC Rimmer was then kicked “several times in the legs and chest” by Mr Kelly.

Mr Barrett added: “One kick lifted him off the ground.”

PC Rimmer fell back and his legs gave way. He was unable to move and was forced to remain lying in the road next to moving cars as another officer got Mr Kelly under control, said Mr Barrett.

PC Rimmer was hoping physiotherapy would heal his injuries, but it was confirmed he will need surgery.

Mr Kelly pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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The court heard that Mr Kelly has seven previous convictions.

He was sentenced to a community order in 2011 for assaulting two police officers, and received a suspended sentence in 2016 for possession of a bladed article and causing affray after running towards police officers brandishing a knife.

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The defence, led by Michael James, said: “This was not a premeditated assault. He was more concerned about harming himself than anyone else.

Mr Jones added: “The defendant has a history of problems involving alcohol. This is another situation where alcohol has caused him to behave in a completely unacceptable way.”

Mr Kelly’s sentencing has been adjourned to January 30, due to family difficulties.

Judge Gioserano said that Mr Kelly may still get a custodial sentence due to the serious nature of the injuries.