Many people pointed out that, had they attempted to wade in, they'd probably have been nicked themselves. It was pooh-poohed, of course.
And yet...
District Judge Daniel Curtis said Crompton went beyond his public duty and his sentence sent out the message that a police officer is not "beyond the law".
Crompton was given a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, told to pay costs of £1,500 and £500 in compensation to his victim.Crompton wasn't on duty at the time.
District Judge Curtis said: "On the Sunday before Christmas, staff at Winteringham Fields were taken out by Colin McGurran for some drinks as a thanks for their hard work.
"They had been in the Bay Horse public house from 4.30pm onwards.
"At around 8.30pm, Colin Crompton and his wife arrived at the Bay Horse as they wanted a quiet drink.
"They decided to move on to the Ferry Boat. The Winteringham Fields group stayed for about an hour longer before moving on to the Ferry Boat as they did not want to disturb the quiz night."
Witnesses had described the atmosphere in the pub as "tense" and a series of minor disagreements took place. It was at this point Mr Oades was asked to leave the pub by the landlady. Moments later, he tried to return through a side entrance that was being blocked by the defendant.
Judge Curtis said: "Colin McGurran told staff to finish their drinks and leave.
"Thomas Oades felt a tug on him by the defendant who told him to get out.
"He was grabbed by Crompton, who had both hands around his neck and the victim found it hard to breathe."
He added: "You slammed the young man down on a wall and repeatedly punched him,"
He suffered swelling and bruising to both eyes, dried blood under the nostrils, swelling to his mouth, and red marking to his arms, neck and shoulders.Off-duty cop assists landlady in removing drunken troublesome youth. Gets accused of excessive violence. Will now probably lose his job.
Now, still expect members of the public to wade in?
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