Ionut Spanache has been sentenced to two years in prison for pepper-spraying two police constables who were responding to a domestic assault call in Luton, Bedfordshire.
Spanache, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker, possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid, and actual bodily harm. He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on July 17.
The incident occurred on May 17 when Police Constables Hollie and Molly responded to reports of a domestic assault. Body-worn camera footage shows Spanache spraying the officers with a synthetic pepper spray substitute as they approached the property.
PC Hollie reported experiencing temporary blindness and difficulty breathing, stating, "As we ran from the property, I could feel a burning sensation that progressively got worse until I couldn't see and began struggling to catch my breath. My initial thought was that we'd been attacked with acid." She added that the experience was "painful and distressing."
PC Molly, despite also suffering a burning sensation on her face and hands, was able to assist her colleague by clearing the substance from PC Hollie's eyes and mouth while seeking help from bystanders. "In that moment, I knew I needed to remain calm in order to keep PC Hollie calm too," PC Molly stated. "My priority was making sure she was safe and getting her the help she needed as quickly as possible."
Superintendent Rachael Glendenning of Bedfordshire Police commented on the incident, calling the assault of any emergency worker "abhorrent." She noted that "Our officers regularly place themselves in challenging and unpredictable situations to protect others. However, no one should be subjected to violence of any degree, and we will always pursue offenders who think this is an acceptable response to police intervention."
According to statistics shared by the superintendent, nearly 30 Bedfordshire Police officers are assaulted on average each month while on duty. "I am pleased Spanache has been brought to justice, and I hope this outcome demonstrates that the courts take violence against emergency workers seriously," Glendenning added.