Always defending our communities.
PC Josh Elliott was checking out a suspected stolen car in Tow Law’s Co-op car park on Tuesday (April
1) when he came across the suspect driver, Jack Oughton, in the street.
While trying to question the 24-year-old, PC Elliott was attacked and a scuffle ensued in which
Oughton continuously he continuously punched, headbutted, kicked and attempted to choke the
officer. PC Elliott managed to press his emergency button and a brave member of the public helped
restrain Oughton while fellow officers raced to the scene.
Despite suffering a concussion, fractured nose and losing vision in his left eye, PC Elliott managed
to arrest Oughton. A Stanley knife Oughton had dropped during the attack was also recovered as
well as cannisters of nitrous oxide. PC Elliott was taken to hospital for treatment and thankfully his
eyesight has now returned and he is anxious to get back out on duty.
A local woman was leaving her place of work when she witnessed the incident unfolding. She did
not hesitate to approach as Oughton fought with the police officer. She urged him to give up and
stop resisting arrest, all the while filming the incident. A passer-by intervened to help the officer and
she urged others to dial 999 for further back up as she continued filming.
She said, “I crossed the road when I saw him fighting and hitting the young officer with the
intention of trying to stop him but a man ran over and went to the officer’s aid so I thought filming it
would be vital evidence.
“It was the Stanley knife that did it for me when I could see it on the floor – we don’t expect things
like that to happen up here.”
Oughton, of no fixed abode, was charged with Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm, driving with no
licence or insurance, possession of a bladed article and possession of a Class C drug. He was
remanded and put before Newton Aycliffe magistrates this morning where he pleaded guilty to all
offences.
He was sentenced to a total of 36 weeks in prison whilst also being recalled for a previous robbery
for two years and three months and disqualified from driving for three years. The knife and drugs
will be destroyed.
Neighbourhood Inspector Mike Sammut praised PC Elliott for his bravery as well as the members
of the public who stopped to help. He said: “Our officers are always the first to put themselves in
harm’s way to protect the public and PC Elliott was very lucky to have not been more seriously
injured so we are thankful he is recovering well.
“Oughton’s behaviour was totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated on our streets. We are
glad he is now back behind bars.”
