Latest news: Drunk fire chief puts policeman in hospital

Published on Monday 14 April 2008 15:24

A DRUNKEN fire brigade chief put a police sergeant in hospital during a street disturbance at the weekend.

Michael Goodman, 37, admitted struggling violently with four officers resulting in one of them suffering ruptured shoulder ligaments.

He had been drinking heavily while attending the 125th anniversary of the Melrose Rugby Sevens on Saturday when trouble broke out an hour after the tournament in the town's main street.

Goodman, who is a serving manager with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue in Edinburgh, had walked out in front of a bus during a row with a female friend.

The police sergeant came to his aid by attempting to haul Goodman out of the way.

But Goodman, of Lauderdale Drive, Lauder, Berwickshire, pushed the officer to the ground and moments later wrestled with his colleagues while being arrested.

He admitted charges of police assault, resisting arrest and breach of the peace at Selkirk Sheriff Court today when he appeared from custody wearing an Edinburgh Rugby Referees Society blazer.

Deferring sentence for the preparation of background reports, long-serving Sheriff Kevin Drummond said it was the first time he had come across a case of an emergency services worker assaulting another member of the emergency services.

Viki Welton, prosecuting, said "Two special officers on duty in Melrose saw the accused grab his friend and they split them up.

"The accused walked off but a coach with rugby players and supporters had to swerve to avoid him as he stepped in front of it.

"A sergeant stepped in to get hold of Mr Goodman but he pushed the sergeant to the ground."

The sergeant ruptured shoulder ligaments and was taken to the nearby Borders General Hospital for treatment.

The Fiscal added: "Four police officers brought Mr Goodman to the ground and he struggled with them violently for around half a minute."

The court also heard that the fire boss had been punched earlier in the evening and was still angry about the incident.

Defence agent Bruce Bett said: "He was walking along Melrose High Street after the Sevens when a group of youths came running down the road and one of them punched him.

"He had chased after them down the street but didn't catch them. He was followed by his friend and accepts he walked in front of cars as she remonstrated with him.

"He had been at the Sevens all day and was drunk. He didn't mean to do the policeman any harm."

Sheriff Drummond until next month for the preparation of background reports.

The Sheriff told Goodman: "This court from time to time has to deal with people obstructing members of the emergency services who are going about their duty.

"This is the first time I've had to deal with a member of the emergency services and you should be deeply ashamed.

"We take a very serious view at this court of people causing injury to members of the emergency services."