A violent thug has been sentenced after an assault left a police officer needing metal rods in his leg.
Paul Luke, of Waterville Road, North Shields, assaulted PC Paul Gillespie on Christmas Eve in 2020 after he and a colleague responded to reports of a domestic incident.
Luke, 38, was at an address in North Shields causing a disturbance, where officers attended to remove him.
Luke made several threats to the officers, and as PC Gillespie and another officer were getting him into the police van, he made his move.
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Luke used his full body weight to kick PC Gillespie backwards, causing him to lose his balance, and his leg to snap.
PC Gillespie dropped to the ground in “agonising pain” as Luke continued to make threats, lashing out at the other officer present.
Backup arrived, and Luke – who was still shouting profanities – was transported to custody.
PC Gillespie was immediately taken to hospital, where doctors found that his leg was broken in two places. He underwent surgery to have several metal rods inserted into his leg to help with the healing process, requiring extensive, lengthy, and painful treatment.
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He was absent from work for seven months and has lasting damage as a result of the ordeal.
The second officer suffered minor injuries as a result of the altercation.
Within 24 hours, Luke was charged with assault of an emergency worker and causing grievous bodily harm assault with the intent to resist arrest relating to both officers – all of which he denied when questioned.
Earlier this year, on February 23, Luke attended Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to both offences.
And today (Thursday, April 20), he was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years at Newcastle’s Moot Hall.
In charge of the case was Detective Sergeant Miah, who has made it clear Luke’s actions were completely unacceptable.
He said: “PC Gillespie suffered life-changing injuries when he responded to an everyday incident where he was just trying to do his job.
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“The message is clear – we don’t come to work to be assaulted, and Northumbria Police will do everything in its power to bring those offenders to justice.
“I would also like to commend the bravery of both officers involved who both swiftly returned to work, continuing their commitment to serve our communities.”
