Defendant’s mum turned up at ‘large scale fight’ in Wellingborough market square – and then he escaped from police
A roofer escaped after being arrested during a 1am brawl in Wellingborough town centre to which his mum came along.
After a work night out, Connor Bailey got involved in a large fight in the market square during which police officers were taken to the ground and kicked.
Then his mother turned up and became abusive to officers.
Northampton Crown Court heard that police were called to the scene in Wellingborough by CCTV operators who saw a group of men fighting in the early hours of December 8, 2024.
PC Scotney arrived soon afterward and saw two men squaring up to one another.
He pushed the defendant back to try to separate them.
Prosecutor John Brotherton said: “Bailey was irate and he pushed PC Scotney back.
"Bailey was informed he was under arrest.”
PC Scotney took out his handcuffs and attempted to restrain Bailey with the help of a second officer.
But the men surrounded them.
"They were saying you can’t arrest him, he’s drunk,” said Mr Brotherton.
PC Scotney then had to use his PAVA spray and called for emergency backup.
"There was continued interference from the group and the defendant got back onto his feet.”
Bailey’s mum then turned up and was abusive toward the police.
More officers arrived on the scene to try to get control of the situation but a female police officer was then taken to the ground and kicked to the head. At some point Bailey left, despite being under arrest.
The incident lasted up to nine minutes and PC Scotney suffered cuts and bruises.
Bailey, who wore a navy puffa jacket and was accompanied by his mother in court for the sentencing hearing on Thursday (March 5), pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and assaulting a police officer. He has two previous convictions for battery and affray in 2018.
Mitigating, Beverley Da Costa, said that her client had only been at large for a few hours before he handed himself in at a police station.
Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane said that police had been called to the ‘large scale fight’.
"It was a difficult situation for the police. They were surrounded by other members of the public who were shouting and pulling at them.”
“The officer called for help and used his PAVA spray. Your mother turned up and was abusive and obstructing officers.
"You managed to get up and run off.”
Bailey handed himself in to police the next day. The court was told that he had apologised for his actions and had made ‘lifestyle changes.’
He was given a 12 month community order and will have to complete 60 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £150 in compensation to the police PC Scotney.