Man sentenced to jail for assaulting police officers in Huyton

A man is serving jail time for racially abusing and assaulting a police officer and damaging a police car, following an incident in Huyton earlier this week.

Steven Benfield, 30 years, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated public order, assault of an emergency worker and criminal damage to a police vehicle.

He received 36 weeks in prison at Liverpool Magistrates Court today, Friday 17 June. Benfield was also ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge of £154.

On Wednesday 15 June officers were called to a disturbance at a house in Huyton. While Benfield was arrested on suspicion of Section 39 domestic violence assault and was being taken into custody, he racially abused, assaulted and spat at officers.

Speaking after the sentence, Knowsley Community Policing Inspector Mark Berry said: "We are pleased to see that Steven Benfield was dealt with by the courts for his racially abusive and violent behaviour.

"Our officers and staff put their own lives and personal safety on the line every day in order to keep us all safe but they should never have to tolerate or accept physical violence when carrying out their duties.

"I’m sure the vast majority of law-abiding members of the public would agree that assaults on police officers or other emergency workers are totally unacceptable.

"Not only do they have a massive impact on the officers themselves but also on their families and work colleagues and, as with all acts of violence, we will fully investigate and prosecute offenders where appropriate.

"My message to those who carry out violence against police is this: please remember, one day you or your families may need our help too."