A MAN punched two police officers and told a child to “go f*** your mum” on Christmas Day.
Andrew Simango, described by his barrister as “a young man of very few words”, punched the two police officers in the face after they were called to his house to break up a family argument.
He was then arrested and taken to a police vehicle, where he told a boy who was cycling past to “go f*** your mum you c***” after he asked if the police officers were okay.
The 20-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker, and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.
Prosecutor Natalie Cheesman told Swindon Magistrates’ Court that police were called to the address after a family argument erupted. “It’s fair to say that the defendant doesn’t appear to have a very good relationship with his sister,” she said.
“They described meeting a chaotic and highly energised scene. There were various conflicting reports from family members about what happened.
“They formed the opinion that a breach of the peace did occur.
"They were concerned that if the defendant remained it was likely to escalate.”
However, as PC Kyle Bowley tried to arrest the defendant, he swung his fist towards the officers, first hitting PC Matthew Baker and then hitting PC Bowler, the court heard.
“Luckily neither officer sustained any injuries.”
No charges were brought as a result of the initial argument.
In a statement, PC Baker said he was “surprisingly unscathed” as a result of the attack, adding: “Whilst I expect confrontation, I do not expect to be attacked.
“As my children get older, it is harder to explain why daddy is injured, this is particularly relevant on Christmas Day.”
Defending, duty solicitor Richard Williams labelled Simango, of Swindon Road in Stratton St Margaret, as “a young man… of very few words”.
“He accepts he acted very improperly, although he disputes in any way he had been consuming alcohol or drugs, or anything of that nature.”
Mr Williams added that his enquiries as to the reason of the argument had been unsuccessful.
“It is fair to say Mr Simango has been a bit coy with me. He did say he was in a bad mood on that day.
“On the one hand, this is a troubling incident involving officers simply doing their duty on Christmas Day, and for their trouble, they were assaulted. On the other hand, he has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, he is a young man of 20 and he is lightly convicted.”
The magistrates decided not to sentence Simango on Wednesday, and ordered a pre-sentence report. He will appear before the same court for sentencing on February 22.
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