Dad with "serious criminal past" attacks police while holding 4-month-old baby (Burnley, England)

We're informed that dad ANTHONY HORROCKS had an "extensive criminal past" but that he's now a "changed man." My arse.

http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/local-news/burnley_dad_attacked_police_while_holding_a_baby_1_4284804

Burnley dad attacked police while holding a baby
Published on Sunday 26 February 2012 09:41

A FATHER-of-two with a babe in arms headbutted a police sergeant and sank his teeth into him, a court heard.

Anthony Horrocks (36) who was feeding the four-month-old infant, bit Sgt Peter Law’s finger, leaving him bleeding, after two officers turned up at the defendant’s family home.

Horrocks, said by his solicitor to have had a “serious criminal past”, but to be a changed man since his release from a long stretch behind bars, had drunk too much at a funeral when he struck.

Burnley magistrates were told how Horrocks claimed he had been pepper-sprayed while he was holding the tot, but the police were adamant he had only been sprayed later, after he put the baby down.

The defendant, of St John’s Road, Burnley, admitted assault by beating on January 21st.

He was given a 12-month community order, with supervision and 100 hours’ unpaid work. He must pay £100 compensation and £85 costs.

Andrew Robinson (prosecuting) said police were called to a report of a domestic incident in Scarlett Street, Burnley.

When they got there, the defendant was present, but his partner had gone.

Horrocks had a baby in his arms and was feeding the youngster from a bottle. Another child was asleep on the sofa.

He told the officers he hated the police, his kids would hate them, he was aggressive and threatened to assault them – all the while holding the infant.

Mr Robinson said Horrocks lunged towards Sgt Law, butted him, and when the officer raised his arms to protect himself, the defendant bit his finger.

Eventually, Horrocks handed over the child to his mother, he was arrested, tried to punch the victim, threatened violence and was parva-sprayed.

Mark Williams (defending) said it would seem there had never been any allegation made by the defendant’s partner.

Mr Williams said the defendant, who was to reconcile with his partner, was “very much a changed man,” since he was freed from custody.