A SPECIAL constable was left considering his future in the valuable voluntary role after being thrown to the ground and injured by a drunk Carlisle reveller.

The city’s magistrates’ court heard how the constable was working in the Botchergate area at around 10.35pm on Saturday, September 9.

He was called to assist with an incident at The Crescent and was in the process of dealing with a male when 32-year-old Joseph Daniel Seymour entered the fray.

“The defendant has approached the special constable from behind, placed his arms around his waist and picked up the officer so that his feet were not touching the ground,” said prosecutor George Shelley.

Seymour then threw the officer to the floor. “The officer has landed on his bottom, causing a shooting pain,” said Mr Shelley. “He activated an emergency button as he was in fear of being further assaulted.”

As help arrived, Seymour attempted to run but was caught by a police constable and arrested.

“In interview, Mr Seymour said he had no recollection due to his level of intoxication,” said the prosecutor. “When given an outline of the facts of the case, he extended his apologies to the officer.”

Seymour admitted a charge of assaulting an emergency worker in court, and he written a letter to the court.

The special constable had provided a statement about the impact. “He talks about the incident catching him completely unawares and an officer having to come to his assistance,” said Mr Shelley.

“He was very upset by what happened. When the adrenaline had begun to wear off he found he needed to go to a private area to compose himself as he was fighting back tears due to the pain.”

He was advised to attend hospital as a precaution and had described his office work day job being affected if pain continued. “I give up my personal time for free with the expectation I will not be injured or assaulted whilst on duty,” he had stated.

“The incident has also made me consider whether I have a future as a special constable.”

Jeff Smith, defending, said Seymour had attended a family celebration that night, “drank far too much” and had no memory of the offence.

That had been an “alarm bell” which had prompted Seymour to contact his GP and various agencies to seek assistance.

Seymour, of Beckside Gardens, Brampton, was given a 12-month community order. He must complete 60 hours’ unpaid work and pay £200 compensation to the special constable.

Passing sentence, deputy district judge Anna Moran told Seymour of the victim: “As you have identified yourself and the prosecution have identified, he volunteers to do that job.

“He is not deserving of the kind of kind of conduct you engaged in towards him. Your behaviour was juvenile, it was fuelled by alcohol and you are fortunate not to have caused more serious injury with the way you behaved.”

* Special constables have a voluntary role with the same powers and responsibilities as regular officers.