Policewoman was hit in street row

A policewoman suffered a double fractured nose when a drunken man lashed out at her in a distressed state.

The constable underwent an operation and has received ongoing medical treatment ever since.

Nathan Bridgeman, who was causing a disturbance in the street, also hit a policeman, in the face.

The incident happened in Aikman Avenue, New Parks, Leicester, when Bridgeman began shouting accusing remarks about a man he believed was involved in causing his brother's death three weeks earlier.

Barbara Graham, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court: "This case has a very unusual background because the defendant's brother died on March 31, 2010. On April 20, the defendant was intoxicated in the street."

He was on the phone pointing, gesturing and shouting. Police arrived and asked him to calm down, but he swore at them.

A female constable approached Bridgeman but he lashed out with flailing arms, striking her on the nose and breaking it.

Ms Graham said it was accepted the injury was caused recklessly rather than deliberately.

However, Bridgeman (35), of Swannington Road, New Parks, then hit the male officer.

CS spray was used to restrain him and he continued to be abusive and aggressive at the police station. When he calmed down he apologised for hitting the officers.

Bridgeman admitted causing actual bodily harm and common assault.

He was given a 12 month jail sentence, suspended for a year, and a requirement to attend a six-month alcohol treatment programme.

Judge Sylvia De Bertodano said she was suspending the jail term because of "the quite exceptional circumstances" of the case.

She said: "I don't intend it to serve as a message that those who assault police officers should receive anything other than an immediate prison sentence, but I have to consider the circumstances of any offence and your brother had been killed three weeks previously.

"It's clear from the reading your references you're widely viewed as a kind, reliable family man."

Vasanti Vaitha, mitigating, said: "He'd consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and his recollection is vague.

"When officers attended the scene he was upset and angry. He apologised at the station and he is remorseful and ashamed."

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