A 33-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for 21 months after violently assaulting a police officer during an attempted arrest.

Blaine Robert Latta, of Spring Road, was sentenced today (Thursday 13 November) at Southampton Crown Court after pleading guilty to assaulting PC George Arnott.

The offence took place on Wednesday 1 October. PC Arnott was conducting a patrol near The Avenue when he spotted Latta and recognised him as being wanted on recall to prison. As PC Arnott attempted to detain him, Latta resisted arrest, punching the officer in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Latta then attempted to flee the scene, thankfully more officers arrived and following a foot chase, were able to arrest him

PC Arnott sustained a black eye, and cut above his eye which requested hospital treatment and stitches.

Latta has received a 21 month custodial sentence for Assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm.

Neighbourhood Enforcement Team Sergeant Andrew Venning said:
“I want to commend George for his outstanding professionalism and resilience in what was a frightening and volatile situation. Despite being assaulted, he remained determined to do everything he could to prevent Latta from escaping and causing further harm.

“We take assaults on officers very seriously, and this case sends out a strong message that those who carry out such attacks will not get away with them. The sentence handed down shows the courts are treating this with the seriousness it deserves. My thanks goes out to the member of the public who recorded the incident, which was instrumental in securing this conviction. This was a particularly nasty assault, and I am glad the sentence reflects the severity of the offence.

“The swift arrival and action of the supporting officers was also critical in bringing Latta into custody. Their teamwork and commitment ensured that a wanted and dangerous individual is now where he belongs – in jail.”