A man is appearing in Colchester Magistrates’ Court over an assault of an emergency worker in Clacton.
Appearing today (Friday, January 18), Paul Knapper is charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.
The 29-year-old, of no fixed address, reportedly assaulted two officers who were responding to a domestic-related incident in Nayland Drive, Clacton, around 11.50pm and Wednesday, January 16.
Individuals who assault or attack emergency workers now face longer jail terms after law changes came into effect, singling out the crime for harsher sentences to protect fire crews, police officers and paramedics attending emergency situations.
The new specific offence will double the maximum sentence from six to 12 months in prison for assaulting an emergency worker.
This also covers prison officers, custody officers and search and rescue services.
The new law will also mean that judges must consider tougher sentences for a range of other offences - including GBH and sexual assault - if the victim is an emergency worker.
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