Ill man assaulted partner and officer

A MAN suffering from a degenerative brain disorder is today awaiting his fate after he admitted assaulting his partner and a police officer.

Brian Haigh, of Woollards Close, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to slapping his partner across the face and assaulting a police officer as she attempted to arrest him on August 24.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard yesterdaythat Haigh suffers from Huntington's disease, which is a hereditary neurological disorder of the central nervous system that eventually impairs the person's ability to walk and talk. It is also associated with some mental illnesses.

It was heard that the 30-year-old was feeling unwell on the day of the offence and when his partner of seven years tried to get him up, he hit her.

Claire Hullock, mitigating, explained that he has lost both his mother and one of his brothers to the disorder, and his own long-term prognosis is not looking good. She added that he is still together with his partner, who cares for him.

She said: “He is required to take medication all the time. If he doesn't take it, it affects how he feels and behaves.

“On the day of the offence he was feeling very ill and wanted to stay in bed. His partner wanted him to go out. He accepts he slapped her. Police were called and when they arrived, he asked if he could finish his coffee and get himself dressed. They refused and he was upset.”

She explained that as the officer went to handcuff him, he put his other arm up in struggle, and this hit her, although he insists he did not mean to do this.

Magistrates decided to adjourn Haigh's case for a full pre-sentence report to be completed. His case will be heard again on September 22.