Successful prosecution following assault on Council Officer

South Wales Police has successfully prosecuted an individual who has been handed a suspended prison sentence in Court for assaulting an Enforcement Officer – supporting the Council’s zero-tolerance approach to violence against its staff.

Regan Everson, 40, of Dunraven Place in Ogmore Vale, Bridgend, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 1, where he pleaded guilty to charges of assault and threatening behaviour. This followed the assault on an Enforcement Officer in Aberdare Town Centre on February 4.

The defendant was handed a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months – and he must abide by an electronic curfew for eight weeks.

The Court proceedings were brought by South Wales Police following the incident, which came about after the individual had parked in a disabled bay. The individual was approached by the Enforcement Officer who was carrying out a routine patrol of the Town Centre. The assault on the Officer was captured on CCTV, and provided by the Council to Police as evidence.

Nigel Wheeler, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Group Director – Prosperity, Development and Frontline Services, said: “This firm action from the Police and the Council highlights our zero-tolerance approach to violence against any member of staff. The assault on the Officer took place while they were carrying out their role for the benefit of the community – and is simply unacceptable. This has been reflected in the suspended prison sentence given to the individual by the Court.

“Our message is clear – we will not tolerate this behaviour and we are not afraid to take further action when evidence suggests a crime like this was committed. The recent prosecution shows how seriously we take this issue.”

Inspector Rob Blunt, local policing inspector for the Cynon Valley, added: “This was an unprovoked attack on someone who was simply doing their job – and we won't tolerate assaults or aggression towards our colleagues at RCT Council. We are committed to protecting those who serve our community, and will deal robustly with any allegations of abuse or assault on them. There can never be any excuse for behaviour such as this.”

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