Jimmy James of Blackfield handed suspended jail sentence for assaulting police officer and woman, and hurling racist abuse

ATTACKING a police officer and a woman, and hurling racist abuse, landed a Blackfield man with a suspended jail term.

Jimmy James (35), of Heather Road, admitted assaulting an emergency worker at Fawley on 16th January, when he appeared before Southampton magistrates.

James also pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman by beating at Fawley on 15th January.

As well as these offences, he admitted using racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour towards a man at Southampton on 16th January.

He further pleaded guilty to using or threatening unlawful violence towards another person in the city on 15th January, causing them to fear for their personal safety.

The Bench ruled only a custodial sentence could be handed down due to the seriousness of the offences. It was also noted they were committed at 10.30pm, which would have been concerning for neighbours, and he had a record for similar offences.

But his 20-week prison term was suspended for 12 months due to the court wanting his positive work with probation to continue.

James was also told to pay £50 compensation to each assault victim, but no costs were ordered.

Charges of assaulting the same woman at Fawley on 15th January, and displaying threatening or abusive writing, sign or other visible representation that was racially aggravated at Southampton on 16th January, were withdrawn in favour of other offences.