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A man who was stopped by police for travelling without good reason during the coronavirus lockdown attacked a force dog with a piece of wood which had a nail attached to it.

Nelson Nelson 29, of Stonnall Road, Aldridge, will now be sentenced after admitting to the assault outside Nottingham Railway Station.

He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Monday, April 6 in relation to the incident, which happened on Saturday, April 4.

Nelson was stopped by British Transport Police who asked why he was travelling during the lockdown. He then assaulted the officers, leaving one with head injuries so severe he needed hospital treatment.

Nottinghamshire Police colleagues then attended the incident and further attacks were carried out, including on police dog Quantum, who attempted to tackle the defendant.

He sustained a cut to his chin after Nelson armed himself with a plank of wood with a nail embedded in it. A flick knife was also recovered during the incident.



This is not the first time the four-year old Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd cross has been attacked in the line of duty.

In March 2018, he needed nine stitches when he was attacked in Top Valley with a knife while trying to detain a suspect.

Nelson pleaded guilty to two counts of actual bodily harm, assault with intent to resist arrest, assault of an emergency worker, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Magistrates have now sent the case to Nottingham Crown Court as they felt they had insufficient sentencing powers to reflect the seriousness of the offence.



Nelson has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Monday, April 27.



Chief Constable Craig Guildford from Nottinghamshire Police said: "This is a particularly nasty case where officers who are working hard to engage with the public to ensure that 'stay at home' guidance is being followed have been subjected to a vicious and sustained assault.

(Image: Nottingham Post)

"The officers acted swiftly, bravely and decisively in assisting their British Transport Police colleagues and I’m convinced PD Quantum prevented further serious injury to them or the public.





"Our officers, staff and volunteers will not hesitate to jump to the defence of their fellow key workers who are working so hard to lead the nation’s response to the coronavirus outbreak – and this case is further evidence of that.





"The speed and severity that this case has been dealt with by all those involved sends a very clear message to anyone who commits offences in our county that they can expect to be dealt with appropriately, and swiftly, regardless of the situation that the nation currently finds itself in."





British Transport Police Chief Inspector Gareth Davies added: "This was a truly horrifying incident which involved a sustained attack on multiple officers and a police dog, all just trying to do their jobs.

"There is never an excuse for this sort of behaviour, but it’s all the more shocking to think this violent rampage began after Nelson was simply asked if his journey was essential.

"Thankfully, no one was more seriously injured, and the officers involved are receiving the support they need.





"Let me be absolutely clear, we simply will not tolerate aggression or violence towards our officers and we will do everything in our power to ensure offenders like Nelson are brought before the courts to face justice.”



Police said the dog has recovered well and was back on duty on Sunday, April 5.