Drug Dealer Turns Violent After Police Stop
Matthew David Wagstaff, 31, was caught red-handed with crack cocaine during a police stop on Forton Road back in April 2020.
Police found a bag of crack on him and charged him with possession of a class A drug. He admitted the offence in portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court in February 2021.
Violent Scuffle With Officers After Running From Cops
On 30 January this year, officers spotted Wagstaff again while investigating crimes in Lees Lane. When approached, he bolted, hopping garden fences on Pelham Road to escape.
But the drama didn’t stop there. Wagstaff wrestled an asp from an officer’s hand and slammed it repeatedly into another officer’s head. The victim needed hospital treatment for his injuries.
Wagstaff was arrested at the scene and charged with several offences.
Guilty Pleas In Court
He appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on 1 March and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault of an emergency worker, and possession of an offensive weapon.
“Assaults against our people will never be tolerated,” said Inspector Matt Wake. “This was a violent attack on one of our officers, who needed treatment in hospital as a result. Fortunately, he has recovered well and is back on duty, but the outcome could have been far more severe.”
Wagstaff, who has no fixed address, has been bailed to return to court on 16 April for sentencing.
