Call for jail terms for assault on police

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 26th March 2014 -

Picture by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye

Captain Doug Beattie MC who has joined the Ulster Unionist Party. He is pictured at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. — Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 26th March 2014 - Picture by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye Captain Doug Beattie MC who has joined the Ulster Unionist Party. He is pictured at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

Mr Beattie has called on the Northern Ireland Exective to bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity.

He said although becoming a police officer subjects you to a high level of personal violence, this should never be accepted as normal.

“Any attack on a public servant, be that a nurse, teacher, paramedic or firefighter is abhorrent,” he said, “but it is our police service that are called to assist with all such incidents and more besides, putting them very much in the firing line.

“Unlike the rest of the UK, we do not have complete acceptance of policing by consent in Northern Ireland.

“It is the role of the police service to protect life and property and in doing so they put themselves in extreme danger.

“With nearly 50 attacks a month on police officers it is clear that the present fines and non-custodial sentences are wholly ineffective as a deterrent and to prevent the undermining of our police service and to show support for those who keep us safe, it is important we explore other avenues.