Horse owner told he could be headed for prison

3:32pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

A FARM owner has been warned he could go to prison after being convicted of assaulting a police officer.

James Gray, 44, of Spindle Farm in Hyde Heath, near Amersham, today had his sentencing adjourned until June 10 while pre-sentence reports are compiled.

He was found guilty of assaulting PC James Metcalf at Aylesbury Magistrates Court on May 6, despite not turning up to court.

The incident happened on January 4 when police officers and RSPCA officers went to his farm following reports about "issues relating to horses".

Julia Jeanes, prosecuting, told the court today that PC Metcalf had felt concerned for his safety after Gray threatened to release a Rottweiler dog on him.

She said Gray later pushed him up against the dog's cage as he attempted to arrest him for slashing the tyres of an RSPCA vehicle.

The court heard Gray told PC Metcalf: "Come anywhere near me and I'll nut you".

Chloe Fordham, defending Gray, said: "There were no aggravating features. Particularly, there was no weapon used. It was an impulsive action and there were no injuries caused to the officer.

"He was in a very stressful situation at time", she added.

Maureen Lissauer, chairman of the bench, adjourned the sentencing until June 10 and warned Gray "The offences are of so serious a nature we want custody to be considered."

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