Brutal Headbutt Puts Bedfordshire Cop in Hospital – Attacker Jailed
Liam Moriarty, 31, has been locked up for two and a half years after brutally headbutting Special Constable Jack Capener. The sickening attack left both men unconscious.
The violent attack happened on September 6 last year, after Moriarty crashed his car in Shefford. SPC Capener suffered a broken nose that needed stitches, confirmed by Ear, Nose and Throat specialists.
Violence Didn’t Stop in Hospital
Moriarty’s rampage continued even while receiving treatment at Bedford Hospital. He spat in the face of an officer and wrecked over £5,000 worth of hospital equipment. Abuse against officers went on amid the chaos.
Justice Served at Luton Crown Court
Moriarty, a man with no fixed address, pleaded guilty earlier this year to grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker, and criminal damage. On February 27, he was sentenced to two and a half years, minus six months for time served. Two other charges were left on file.
“Every officer knows the risk of danger when they go out. Running towards danger is part of the job, but being assaulted is not,” said SPC Capener. “I welcome the sentence and the court’s clear message that attacking emergency workers is unacceptable.”
Chief Inspector Emma Nicol praised the bravery and restraint of the officers. “This cowardly attack on someone simply doing their job is shocking. Moriarty’s custodial sentence sends a strong message. Officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public.”
Assaults on Police Officers Are on the Rise
Bedfordshire Police reveal nearly 30 assaults on officers every month. To back up victims, they run the ‘Maggie’s Law’ initiative, named after PC Jon Henry’s daughter. Every assaulted officer gets contacted by a senior officer and offered extra welfare support.
