Man Receives Curfew for ‘Disgraceful’ Assault on Officer

A man received a four-month nightly curfew after committing a “disgraceful” assault against a police officer. Michael Eaton, aged 50, assaulted a custody officer at Forth Banks Police Station in Newcastle during a welfare check, according to proceedings at the city’s crown court. His arrest followed a near collision with a police vehicle and his subsequent failure of an alcohol breath test. Eaton pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which included a four-month curfew from 19:00 to 07:00. Prosecutor Robin Turton stated that Eaton, identified as a former civil servant and taxi driver, narrowly missed colliding with a police car while driving on Durham Road in Wrekenton, Gateshead, on 12 July. Following his failed breath test, he was transported to Forth Banks Police Station and placed in a cell. The court was informed that an officer conducted a welfare check on him shortly after 04:00 BST. Eaton reportedly told the officer he intended to commit a crime, then proceeded to grab and wrestle the officer to the floor. The minute-long altercation concluded when other officers intervened and separated them. In a statement, the officer reported sustaining an elbow injury during the “shocking” attack and expressed disappointment at being assaulted while attempting to assist Eaton. During mitigation, David Callan stated that Eaton, residing at Moss Side in Wrekenton, was seeking assistance for mental health issues. Callan described the incident as a case of “drink in, sense out,” explaining that Eaton had been out for the evening and then made the “ridiculous” choice to drive for a takeaway. Judge Mitchell informed Eaton that the attack was “disgraceful and wrong,” adding, “I won’t have it.” The judge further warned, “If I ever see you again for something like this I promise you a jail sentence.” Judge Mitchell commented that the officer was “doing their best” to care for Eaton, and described the attack as “terrifying” due to the uncertainty of Eaton’s next actions. Eaton, who has a prior conviction and fine for drinking and driving, was also mandated to pay £250 in compensation to the officer.