Sussex Police Federation slam Paul Kennard suspended sentence

Paul Kennard was in court for the “horrific” incident in Peacehaven which was recorded on body cameras.

The drunk and bare-chested 40-year-old spat at one officer and shouted: “How do you like that you c***?”

At Hove Crown Court Judge Shani Barnes described Kennard’s behaviour as “vile” and “disgusting”.

The judge imposed a suspended prison sentence for the lout because he showed remorse and has been turning his life around.

Shocking footage showed the moment Paul Kennard spat at police and swore at them while under arrest in Peacehaven

But Sussex Police Federation secretary Simon Steele said the suspended sentence “sends out the wrong message” about the disgusting spit attacks.

Mr Steele said: “This was a despicable act of violence against my colleagues and is aggravated further by the fact that this vile individual spat at the officers who were merely trying to do what the public expects of them.

“At a time when people are dying because of Covid-19 and when police officers are doing their very best to keep people safe, I find this individual’s behaviour particularly horrific.

Sussex Police Federation Secretary Simon Steele

“The sentence handed down does not go far enough and my colleagues will feel badly let down.

“Officers are entitled to protection from the criminal justice system and this sentence does not do that.

“This in my view sends out the wrong message and is no deterrent to those individuals who choose to assault a police officer.”

Shocking footage of the incident was shown in court, in which Kennard, of Montague Place, Brighton, threatened to bite off the nose of one officer.

He gnashed his teeth and repeatedly swore at the police trying to calm him down.

During the incident, both PC Porter and PC Lewis were “covered” in spittle.

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The court was told that police were called over a row outside flats in Peacehaven on August 6.

Prosecutor Suki Dhadda said: “Officers were drawn to him because of his behaviour. He appeared to be in drink.

“He was in an angry and agitated state, his fists were clenched.”

Kennard, who has 25 convictions for 88 previous offences, squared up to PC Porter and shouted: “I don’t care about your uniform.”

“Just do me in the a*** and rape my children,” he added.

Shocking footage showed the moment Paul Kennard spat at police and swore at them while under arrest in Peacehaven

Judge Shani Barnes said: “He has clearly struggled with appalling behaviour in the past with alcohol and drug addictions.

“I am pleased to see that way he reacted to the footage. He was ashamed and disappointed and I could see he was upset. He realises this was shocking behaviour.”

Turning to Kennard, the judge said: “During Covid-19 times this is absolutely unforgivable. For officers to get up every day and put on that uniform, to be called ‘pigs’ and worse, and to be spat at. This tirade was vile.

“I hope that footage gives you the resolve to stay sober and continue working to lead a decent life. Officers shouldn’t have to put up with this.

“But for the three year gap in your offending, I would have put you straight back inside because it’s disgraceful.”