Kung fu fan attacked police officer

1:19pm Thursday 6th December 2007

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A SELF-taught kung fu fan who attacked a police officer with moves learned on the internet blamed the TV programme Panorama, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Eric Nolton James, 39, said the show had left him confused about his rights.

James had been stopped and searched while riding a bycycle by Police Constable Dave Richardson.

He claimed he thought the officer was not allowed to stop and search him and was assaulting him.

James, a "law-abiding" loner who has been learning karate from the internet, then set about the officer, putting his martial arts kicks into practice.

When later interviewed, he said he would have incapacitated the victim if he had to.

But it was he who was incapacitated by PC Richardson, and a member of public dashed to the officer's aid.

The court was told James alleged he had been stopped by police 30 times in the last 12 months.

He was said to have "lost it" when PC Richardson spoke to him, even though he accepted the officer had been polite.

The defendant had been warned by a previous bench he could go to jail, but was spared by the bench, who said he had been misguided in what he believed.

The defendant, of Fleet Street, Nelson, admitted police assault and failing to surrender to court.

James was given 90 days in jail, suspended for 12 months, 12 months supervision and a two-month curfew, from 7pm to 7am every day.

He must also pay £75 costs and £50 compensation.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said James lived alone and had no family or friends.