Prisoner bit PC in cell fracas (From Warrington Guardian)

Prisoner bit PC in cell fracas

A MAN who sank his teeth into a Crewe policeman's arm while being detained, told officers to 'bring it on' just minutes before the attack, a court heard yesterday.

Dennis Joseph McIvor, aged 39, of Barff Road, Salford, denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm in an incident at Crewe Police Station last year.

Prosecutor, Mark Connor, told jurors at yesterday's Chester Crown Court trial that McIvor bit PC James Kirk on the arm while he was being held in a cell on May 31 last year.

The 39-year-old defendant was taken into custody after being arrested for his alleged involvement in a fight at the Express pub on Mill Street.

The court heard that McIvor had been co-operative with officers when he first arrived at the station but became aggressive when asked to give up his belongings.

PC Wright, arresting officer, said: "He made counter allegations that someone had assaulted him. He was put into a drunk cell and he was asked to pass out his property but refused.

"We are required to take property from prisoners for their own safety but he kept refusing and was very aggressive so a Police Support Unit was called.

"There was no way he was going to come quietly."

The PSU entered the cell with body armour, helmets and riot shields to retrieve McIvor's property.

The court heard that McIvor had entered the cell's toilet area, carrying a mattress to keep police at bay and told officers to 'bring it on'.

PC James Kirk said: "I managed to push him back, but he turned my shield around and locked his teeth to my forearm. It was very badly bruised and swollen.

"I shouted to let go a few times but he ignored me, so I struck him in the face three times.

"He then let go and said 'is that all you've got?'"

Denying the charge, McIvor admitted not handing over his belongings, but said officers came at him and assaulted him.

He also said he could not remember biting an officer, but if he did it was in self-defence.

Defending Joe Boyd said: "It was somehow considered appropriate that five officers in this equipment should go into the cell.

"It's a bit like getting the Tellytubbies into a telephone kiosk.

"The constable at the roadside deemed it unnecessary for him to be searched and he was angry because nobody seemed to be taking his complaint seriously.

"He was cowering in the toilet area and you charged in and attacked him like the Knights of the Round Table."

The trial continues.