Man jailed for biting officer during arrest

A man has been jailed for biting a police officer's leg while being arrested.

The Gloucestershire Police officer detained Luke Goodhall, 39, who was on licence having recently been released from prison, after an allegation was made that he had assaulted someone on 17 February.

Following a hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court, Goodhall was jailed for nine months for assaulting an officer and causing actual bodily harm.

Temporary Insp Adam Williams, branch chair of Gloucestershire Police Federation, said: "[The officer] was bitten during the struggle, causing a genuine injury, and he responded only to protect himself and bring a dangerous situation under control."

Goodhall's arrest was filmed by a member of the public and posted on social media without sound.

In the video, the officer arresting Goodhall could be seen striking Goodhall's body, but the audience could not see or hear that the PC was being assaulted, Gloucestershire Police said.

The force's Professional Standards Department reviewed the footage and deemed the officer's actions were "proportionate, necessary and legitimate".

Williams added: "It is deeply unfair for hard‑working police officers to be tried on social media by individuals or groups who push only one side of the story."

The officer said he is "relieved" that the full context of the incident has now been disclosed.

Goodhall was further arrested for trying to knee another officer in the face and for the alleged assault before police arrived, for which he is due in court for on 25 March.

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