Leeds police officer suffered fractured ankle in 'sustained and brutal' attack by burglar caught breaking into homes in Horsforth

Thomas Wilson was locked up for 30 months over the incident on Craggwood Road, Horsforth, on February 19 this year.

Leeds Crown Court heard officers were contacted after Wilson tried to smash his way into a house on the street.

Geraldine Kelly, prosecuting, said one of the officers saw Wilson and went to arrest him.

Wilson became violent as he resisted arrest.

The officer was pinned to the ground during the struggle and Wilson grabbed him by the throat until he struggled to breathe.

The officer lost his glasses during the attack and his body-worn camera was ripped from his vest.

The court heard the officer managed to use his torch to strike Wilson on the head to stop the attack.

Other officers arrived at the scene and helped to detain the defendant.

Miss Kelly said the injured officer vomited after the attack and had severe pain in his leg.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he had to have an operation to have a pin fitted to his ankle after it was found to be fractured.

Wilson was in possession of a chisel when he was searched.

A doorbell which he had removed from outside one of the properties on Craggwood Road was found in his pocket.

Wilson was interviewed and said he committed the offences as he was homeless.

He said he could not remember much about the incident because he had been drinking and taking drugs.

Wilson, 20, of Victoria Mount, Horsforth, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, attempted burglary and theft.

Kate Batty, mitigating, said Wilson pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage.

She said the offending was not planned and that Wilson had taken a "spur of the moment decision" to break into houses.

Wilson was sentenced to 30 months in a young offender institution.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said: "You know what drink, drugs and crime does to you.

"Although it looked like you were going to come quietly, that is the last thing you did.

"You assaulted him in a sustained and brutal way that resulted in injuries."