Hanley riot yob’s shame as he repeatedly struck female police officer

A yob repeatedly hit a police officer and spat at them as trouble erupted in Hanley. Marcus Ramsden was among the throng as officers were being pelted with missiles and abuse as a riot erupted in the city centre.

The 22-year-old, of Goldenhill, was told by an officer to move back after he tried to force through the lines. He then proceeded to repeatedly strike a female officer on the frontline.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he continued to goad police and gesture to the crowd when the violence broke out. 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.

Ramsden 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.”

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