A HIGHLY regarded kitchen worker will have to pay nearly £1,500 after he assaulted a police officer and damaged another officer’s body camera.

Father-of-four Damien Morgan was told to go home on the day of Llandrindod Carnival after police had been called to an incident at a pub where he was described as being heavily intoxicated.

Morgan, 39, became irate because he said he had actually been assaulted prior to the officers’ arrival. A struggle ensued as they tried to restrain him, resulting in PC Paige Morgan being assaulted, while colleague PC Coombs’ body-worn camera was ripped off his vest by the defendant.

At Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 17, Morgan pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker as well as two counts of criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly.

Representing Morgan, of Temple Street, Llandrindod, Gareth Walters said that although there were four offences, they were all part of one incident.

“The defendant had been out on carnival day and unfortunately he drank to excess, he says he doesn’t usually drink a lot of alcohol,” said Mr Walters.

“He was assaulted before this incident. Police officers noted he had fresh injuries. He was already irate when they arrived and he couldn’t be calmed down; his behaviour accelerated. Had he gone home when asked he wouldn’t be before the court today.

“He works in a local hotel, I have a letter from his employer who speaks very highly of him. He works in the kitchen as a porter and preparation chef. He is very highly regarded there.”

Chair of the bench, Simon Green, told Morgan: “This is going to be an expensive lack of judgment for you.”

They fined Morgan £583 for the assault, and £115 for both acts of criminal damage. Taking into account compensation, costs and a surcharge, he must pay £1,412.20.