'Last chance' for man who spat in police officer's mouth

20-year-old described as being 'at crossroads' in life

A Douglas man who spat in a female police officer’s mouth has been told he has one more chance to change his ways.

Brogan Keith Misselbrook’s behaviour was described as ‘disgusting’ during sentencing at Douglas Courthouse.

The woman was prescribed anti-viral medication as a result of his actions.

Resist

The 20-year-old, of Murrays Road, assaulted the PC - and another officer who he kicked in the thigh - just after 3.30am on 17 August last year.

They’d stopped him in Andreas after reports that he’d stolen from an EVF garage in Douglas around two hours earlier.

As they were trying to arrest Misselbrook he broke free and began lashing out; officers had to use their emergency buttons to call for back-up and resorted to using PAVA incapacitant spray.

Misselbrook later pleaded guilty to assaulting the officers and resisting them in the execution of their duty; he also admitted the theft.

Disorderly

Four months later, on 10 December, Misselbrook was found hiding in a shed, on Gladstone Avenue in Ramsey, in the early hours of the morning.

He was said to be ‘foaming at the mouth’ and was intoxicated; officers took him to Ramsey Police Station for a drug search and when it was completed he was released.

However on the way out Misselbrook began verbally abusing a police officer describing him as a ‘wife beater’ and ‘corrupt’ and adding: “All my boys are going to have you.”

He was restrained and during the officer’s struggle to arrest him Misselbrook broke his Apple watch; something he later told police was accidental and a ‘drunken mistake’.  

He later pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly, resisting a police officer and damaging his property.

‘Crossroads’

Misselbrook’s advocate told the court his client was a young man with a ‘great number of issues’ adding he was vulnerable to negative influences and exploitation.

Describing him as someone who exists in a ‘constant state of fear and anxiety’ he added: “Mr Misselbrook is at a crossroads. He needs intervention to address those issues he does have.”

Probation

Imposing a two-year probation order Magistrates described the spitting offence as ‘disgusting behaviour’ adding: “They (the police) are doing a job and do not deserve to be assaulted by you.”

Warning Misselbrook he was at risk of throwing his life away they added: “This is the last chance to accept help and change your ways.”

Misselbrook was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £125 and £264 in compensation.