Paragraphs 1 & 2 read: A mother has been convicted after
“deliberately wielding a handbag” and striking a police
officer.
Diminutive Lorna Vinten, 44, charged in to help her son who was
being restrained by four police officers, swinging her small blue handbag
containing her keys, cigarettes and mobile phone.
giving her a two-year conditional discharge, Judge Jackson said she had taken
into account the fact that Mrs Vinten’s husband had passed away last year, that
she suffered panic attacks and was on
anti-depressants.” http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/news/Mother-assaulted-officer/article-1552942-detail/article.html
Mother assaulted officer
A mother has been
convicted after “deliberately wielding a handbag” and striking a police
officer.
Diminutive Lorna Vinten, 44, charged in to help her son who was
being restrained by four police officers, swinging her small blue handbag
containing her keys, cigarettes and mobile phone.
But despite Redhill
Magistrates’ Court hearing the handbag had struck with the force of a pillow,
Mrs Vinten was convicted of two counts of assault, and resisting a constable in
the execution of his duty.
Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Vinten said:
“I’m just glad it’s all over. It’s been a very stressful time for me. I’m just
worried about losing my job now.”
The incident occurred at the Royal
British Legion in Town End, Caterham, on the evening of May 24, after the High
Street Party enjoyed by thousands of visitors.
Police entered the Legion
building asking revellers to drink up, and ended up restraining 17-year-old
Ricky Vinten near the exit.
Defence counsel Natasha Draycott told the
court how Mrs Vinten had rushed to aid her son, but was grabbed by the throat,
and thrown onto a table by “enthusiastic” officers.
Ms Draycott said:
“Officers were using completely unreasonable force, she was kicking out in sheer
panic.”
Mrs Vinten had claimed her handbag had fallen down her arm and
had been flying around, but she had not intended to hit anyone.
But
presiding over the hearing, District Judge Caroline Jackson said: “Looking at
the CCTV it’s clear excessive force was not used (by the police).
“I find
there are deliberate acts of wielding the handbag.”
Fining her a total of
£1,040, and giving her a two-year conditional discharge, Judge Jackson said she
had taken into account the fact that Mrs Vinten’s husband had passed away last
year, that she suffered panic attacks and was on anti-depressants.
Mrs
Vinten’s son Ricky was also convicted of assault, resisting an officer in the
execution of his duty and using threatening, insulting or abusive words or
behaviour or disorderly behaviour with intent to cause alarm or distress. His
sentencing was adjourned.
