Latest police attack among 85 assaults on officers in Hartlepool and across Cleveland

Cleveland Police’s chief constable said he will not tolerate attacks on officers as a man was jailed after ramming his 4x4 into a police car with a detective inside.
By Peter Tennick
Published 9th Dec 2019, 13:41 BST
Updated 9th Dec 2019, 16:27 BST
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Richard LewisCleveland Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis

Since the beginning of the year, 85 officers or PCSOs have been assaulted in Cleveland.

Paul Morton, 30, from Brearley Way in Gateshead was sentenced to two years in prison for dangerous driving and assault causing actual bodily harm in relation to a police car which was deliberately rammed.

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Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: “No officer should be subjected to any form of abuse when carrying out their duties and I hope today’s sentence sends out a strong message to offenders that we will take all steps possible to prosecute and bring those responsible to justice should anyone subject our officers to any form of abuse.

Paul MortonPaul Morton
Paul Morton

“Our officers protect the public living in our communities around the clock. They put their lives on the line for others and they do not deserve to be targeted in this way.

“Since the beginning of the year 85 officers/PCSO’s have been assaulted in Cleveland and this behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

“I would like to thank the officer involved in this particular incident for his hard work, dedication and bravery for both the Force and the public. I wish him all the best with his recovery.”

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Hartlepool CID Detective Inspector Mark Hanson, said: “We are satisfied with the sentence handed to Paul Morton today and hope that today’s result is a clear message that we will not tolerate any form of abuse against our officers.

“This was a targeted and potentially very dangerous attack on one of our colleagues who was simply carrying out this duties.

“Anyone who believes that carrying out attacks like this is acceptable can fully expect to be put before the court to answer for their actions.

“The injured officer is still recovering from the incident. Thankfully he was not more seriously injured, however, the impact of any incident such as this is not only physical.

“We hope the sentence passed today provides some form of comfort to our colleague. Justice has been served and Morton will be behind bars for some time.”