Man who repeatedly hit officer in violent disorder pleads guilty

A man who repeatedly hit a police officer and spat at them during the violent disorder in Stoke-on-Trent has pleaded guilty in court.

Marcus Ramsden, aged 22, of Goldenhill, Stoke-on-Trent, got involved in a melee with public order officers who were being pelted with missiles and abuse in Hanley on 3 August.

Ramsden, who was told by an officer to move back after he tried to force through the lines, proceeded to repeatedly strike a female officer on the frontline. He continued to goad police and gesture to the crowd when the violence erupted.

He then spat at officers who were holding shields.

Ramsden was identified by detectives after the incident took place. He was arrested and charged with violent disorder, assault by beating of an emergency worker and common assault of an emergency worker.

Both of the officers he assaulted stayed on duty and continued to bravely protect the public on 3 August.

Ramsden appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Monday 9 September) and pleaded guilty to the offences. He will be sentenced at a date and time to be fixed.  

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “More than 70 arrests and 30 charges have already been secured in Staffordshire, and more will be coming.

“I can assure local communities that decisive action is being taken against those involved in the senseless acts we experienced in Staffordshire in August. Some haven’t been arrested yet, but we are coming for them.”