Policeman punched in brawl at funeral wake in Worsthorne

A Burnley man who assaulted a police officer at the wake of a friend’s funeral has been given a community order.
Burnley Magistrates Court.Burnley Magistrates Court.
Burnley Magistrates Court.

John Robert Taylor (22), of Haven Street, Burnley, punched the officer in the face in Worsthorne on May 17th last year, Burnley Magistrates’ Court heard.

He also resisted arrest from another officer in the same incident. Taylor pleaded guilty to both charges.

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Tracy Yates (prosecuting) told magistrates Taylor became involved in a disturbance involving 50 people when he heard his brother and girlfriend had been arrested.

The court was told Taylor was drunk and disorderly and swearing when he punched the officer and then tried to bite him. He was also “extremely resistant” towards another officer, the court heard.

Daniel Frazer (defending) said Taylor had been having a few drinks in a pub at a makeshift wake following the funeral of his brother Eric’s close friend, who had taken his own life.

Mr Frazer said Taylor learned his brother had been arrested outside in a disturbance and went to find out why.

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The court was told somebody had grabbed Taylor’s arm and, unclear as to who it was, he turned and punched them in the face.

Mr Frazer said it was all over in a matter of 60 seconds but he had “unfortunately learned the hard way” and “completely regrets what he has done”.

Taylor was ordered by the Bench to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, to pay £150 costs, £75 compensation and a £60 surcharge.

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