Rhayader Carnival: John Hamer sentenced over police assault

John Bowen Hamer, 25, struck Sergeant Ryan Sweetman in the face as the officer intervened in a fight between him and his brother at Rhayader Carnival on Saturday, July 20.

Hamer, of Hirnant Farm in the Elan Valley, near Rhayader, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker as well as being drunk and disorderly when appearing at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court this week.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the incident happened in Rhayader’s East Street at around 11pm.

“A fight broke out outside the Castle pub; two males were mainly involved,” Mrs Tench said.

“One male was in a vest and another was wearing a black top. Sergeant Sweetman’s attention was focused on the man in the black top, the defendant.

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“He tried to calm him down. A right hand came up and struck the officer on the top lip and nose. He was grabbed by his high visibility top and he (Hamer) was trying to get back to the fight.

“He was wrestled to the ground. He did not accept he was under arrest and other officers assisted. Handcuffs were put on him and a member of the door staff assisted.”

Mrs Tench said Hamer, who has previous drink related offences on his record, smelt of intoxicants and was quite drunk.

Gareth Walters, representing Hamer, said: “I accept there are previous drink related offences but the officer said there were lots of people drinking alcohol and most were intoxicated, although the mood was generally good.

“It was carnival day and the streets were packed. He had been drinking all day, and unfortunately the person he was fighting with was actually his brother.

“He tried to get past the officer to get back to his brother. It was not a deliberate punch, certainly not like anything we’ve seen recently on TV.

“Sadly, this was a man who’d just had too much to drink. He offers his full remorse and bitterly regrets finding himself back in court.”

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and probation officer Gareth Jenkins interviewed Hamer.

“He was out enjoying the carnival with his brother and friends,” said Mr Jenkins.

“A silly argument occurred with his brother, due to the influence of alcohol, and a fight broke out.

“It was never his intention to assault an officer and he showed deep remorse during interview.”

Mr Jenkins said Hamer is employed as a groundworker and has a partner, while he is also a father to two young children.

Ingrid Gallagher, chair of the bench, told Hamer: “You showed no regard for the officer or authority.”

Magistrates handed Hamer a 12-month community order, which will include 50 hours’ unpaid work. He must also pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.