Man Jailed for Assaults on Woman and Police Officers

Daniel O’Sullivan, 35, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison after carrying out an “abhorrent” assault on a woman and attacking multiple police officers. On June 5, O’Sullivan fled his residence in Greenacres Mobile Park, Semington, Wiltshire, armed with knives, after law enforcement had been summoned to conduct a welfare check on a woman in her 30s. Upon his capture in the woods adjacent to the A350, O’Sullivan kicked one officer and attempted to headbutt another. He then proceeded to threaten and physically assault officers while in custody. He pleaded guilty to all charges. During the sentencing at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, O’Sullivan was also ordered to pay a £228 surcharge and was issued a restraining order, in addition to his prison term. During his transportation to custody in Melksham, O’Sullivan repeatedly headbutted and spat at police officers. While in custody, he caused a split lip to a third officer by punching them, and a fourth officer required hospital treatment following an assault. O’Sullivan was subsequently charged with assault by beating, threatening a person with a knife, and four counts of assaulting an emergency worker. Local crime investigator Michael Griffiths commented on the case, stating: “O’Sullivan’s actions were abhorrent.” He further added: “No officers should have to face the violence that O’Sullivan subjected them to while simply going about their daily duties. Any assault on our workforce is a criminal offence and we will always look to put those responsible before our courts.”