Attacks on police officers land man behind bars

Wednesday 26 July 2023

A 22-year-old man who headbutted, spat at and tried to bite police officers has been sent to jail.

Daniel Du Feu, who has a string of previous convictions for violence and disorder, admitted the offences of causing a breach of the peace, assaulting police officers and resisting arrest – and was told they could only be met with a prison sentence.

He also admitted an additional charge of taking and driving away a vehicle without permission.

Advocate Katie Ridley, prosecuting, told the Magistrate’s Court that a man had reported the theft of his e-bike at 00:20 on 14 May. Five minutes later Du Feu was seen riding it in Snow Hill.

When arrested he said he had not stolen the bike, claiming: "I was just riding it back to him."

At the time, Du Feu was subject to a binding over order for punching another man on Christmas Day.

Then at 19:30 on the evening of 26 May, Police officers were called to Jardins de la Mer after reports of fighting.

Du Feu was not wearing a shirt and Advocate Ridley said: "There was blood on his torso and significant bruising around his eyes."

Three officers were needed to handcuff him. As he struggled to resist arrest, he headbutted one and spat in his face and tried to bite another on her right thigh.

He also kicked the door of the police van to stop it from closing.

Pictured: The case was heard in the Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Advocate Estelle Burns, defending, said: "It is fair to say that Mr Du Feu is disgusted by his actions. He takes full responsibility for the offences and displays genuine remorse."

She said of the assaults: "Fortunately there were no lasting physical injuries."

Of the earlier theft of the bike, she added: "There was no damage to it and the owner did not suffer any loss."

She pointed out that Du Feu had pleaded guilty early and suggested a community service order and probation order.

But Assistant Magistrate Sarah Fitz said the assaults were "truly disgraceful behaviour" that had taken place in full view of children and families.

She said: "You do not have the benefit of good character. A custodial sentence is unavoidable."

Handing him an 11-month sentence, Assistant Magistrate added that, if the case had been transferred to the Royal Court, he may well have faced a longer sentence.