A man who vowed to "fight to the bitter end" has been sentenced after a police officer dislocated his finger when his ring got caught in a shirt while trying to arrest him.
Dean Jarman, 27, was handed an 18-month community order for inflicting grievous bodily harm on PC Deri Harris in Brecon on August 12, 2022 before being sprayed and arrested.
"You were drunk, angry and resentful of the police's attendance," Judge Daniel Williams said at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Wednesday, October 16.
"You insulted the police who were simply doing their duty. You vowed to fight to the bitter end."
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Police were called to Bron y Crug at around 10pm by Jarman's mother who was concerned about her son's welfare. The court heard that officers tried to defuse the situation and tried to reason with him in the garden of the property.
"I don't give a f*** who you are," Jarman said before calling the officers "c****".
He eventually relented and apologised for his behaviour saying that he would not fight with the officers.
When PC Harris took hold of Jarman's right arm, the defendant pulled away. But as the police officer pulled him back, an audible popping noise was heard when his finger dislocated in Jarman's T-shirt.
After using incapacitant spray on Jarman, the defendant was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and breach of the peace and taken to the police station.
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PC Harris went to Merthyr Tydfil Hospital where he remained overnight for a dislocated finger. In a victim personal statement, the police officer said that since the assault, his finger has a permanent bend, and now finds his hobby jiu-jitsu - a form of martial art - more painful.
In mitigation, defence barrister Emma Harris said her client was "incredibly remorseful" for his behaviour and the impact it’s had on PC Harris.
"Mr Jarman was suffering a mental health crisis at the time," she said.
"Since 2022 he has made tremendous strides on his own accord with a psychologist and engaging with social services. He has benefited tremendously and resulted in some breakthroughs. He has managed to not only move from the path of alcohol but has set up a very successful roofing business.
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"Mr Jarman is someone who has not had the easiest life. His biological father is in custody and serving a sentence. It is all too easy to follow that path, but he has taken the steps to remove himself from that path. He is very disappointed to find himself in court.
"Mr Jarman is very candid about his difficulties with alcohol. He has now managed to abstain from alcohol and is taking steps to prevent himself from turning to drink in times of crisis."
Jerman was ordered by the judge to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation requirement days. he must also pay £1,000 in compensation to PC Harris.
Judge Williams said: "This goes back a long time - two years and two months. But I note the very real positive progress that you've made since this offence."
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