Northwold man Daniel Emery became ‘agitated’ during Swaffham arrest and headbutted police officer

A 42-year-old became agitated when he was not allowed to take his prescription cannabis into police custody - so headbutted an officer.

Daniel Emery, of Thetford Road in Northwold, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he was sentenced for assaulting an emergency worker.

Prosecution told the court that on September 17 last year, police were called to an address in Swaffham and arrested Emery on unrelated matters.

While being arrested, Emery asked if he could take his “prescription cannabis” with him into custody.

Officers said that this was not possible, and Emery then became “agitated” and headbutted the police officer he was being arrested by.

He then began to kick out at another officer.

However, in mitigation, Tiffany Meredith said that Emery did not intend to headbutt the officer, but that their heads “came into contact”.

She explained that Emery and his family have been facing a lot of struggles recently.

“The headbutt was not extremely vigorous. He made contact to the lip - it was the meeting of two heads rather than a headbutt,” Ms Meredith said.

“He has expressed his remorse to the officer. No officer should have to deal with that while carrying out their duties.”

Emery was handed an 18-month community order, which will see him complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.

He will also pay compensation of £100 to the police officer, a £114 victim surcharge and £40 in court costs.