A 34-year-old man has been jailed after admitting head-butting, punching and threatening to kill police officers following an incident over the weekend.

Ashley Ward of Rook Drive in Taverham pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates Court after the incident at his home address on Saturday 15 September 2018.

It happened around 8.30pm when officers attended following the concern for safety of a person at the address. Upon arrival, Ward was verbally abusive to officers before attempting to punch one.

Whilst being detained, Ward head-butted one officer resulting in a split lip and swelling to the face. He also head-butted a second officer, resulting in a bloody nose, whilst making threats to harm him.

Ward was restrained and taken to Aylsham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

He was subsequently charged with three counts of assaulting a police officer and a public order offence and was remanded to appear at court yesterday morning, Monday 17 September.

After pleading guilty, Ward was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks imprisonment and was ordered to pay £115 in compensation.

The sentencing comes just days after a new bill was given Royal Assent which increases sentences for anyone convicted of assault on emergency service workers.

District Commander for Broadland, Superintendent Chris Harvey, welcomed the new law, which comes into force in November, saying: “This will send out a really clear message that assaults against emergency service workers will not be tolerated and those committing such crimes will receive a significant prison sentence.

“It is a sad fact that assaults against officers are increasing and they are subjected to abhorrent behaviour on an almost daily basis. It is completely unacceptable to assault a person who is simply going out to do their job and do their best to serve the community.

“In this case three officers were needlessly attacked. However, footage from their body worn cameras alongside the guilty plea meant that the magistrates could apply a swift justice process in getting Ward brought to justice.”