Man jailed after strangling police officer whilst being arrested

A 31-year-old man has been jailed for a year and a half for strangling an on duty police officer.

David Poultney was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to criminal damage and intentional strangulation.

The 31-year-old, of Saxon Crossway, Winsford, also pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug (cannabis).

During his court hearing it was heard that on the evening of 30 August 2024, officers were called to reports of a domestic disturbance, in which Poultney had attended an address whilst drunk and was being verbally abusive to the occupant while her three young children were inside the property.

A Cheshire Police patrol responded to the call and, upon arriving at the address, two officers separated Poultney and the victim, who disclosed to them that he had smashed her television.

Poultney was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, however during his arrest he became aggressive toward the officer, wrestling him to the floor. Footage played in court showed that Poultney preceded to put the arresting officer in a headlock, ever-tightening his arm around his neck, taunting and threatening him that he was going to "choke (him) out".

The second officer, who had previously been upstairs with the victim, quickly intervened and came to his colleague's aid - thankfully the officers were able to break Poultney’s tight grip.

He was further arrested on possession of cannabis, with a quantity of cannabis being located on his person when searched, despite claiming it was tobacco.

Poultney was subsequently charged with criminal damage, intentional strangulation and possession of a class B drug (cannabis), pleading guilty at a court hearing in December, before appearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday 31 January, where he was jailed for 18 months.

An officer from Northwich Local Policing Unit, who respond to the incident and helped with Poultney's arrest, said:

“We as a force will never tolerate any form of violent or threatening behaviour against anyone, and I’m glad that Poultney is being held accountable for his actions.

“Officers regularly put their own lives at risk to protect others and they don’t go to work to be assaulted.

“Poultney could have caused significant harm and I hope that this result demonstrates we will not stand this type of behaviour in Cheshire."

Pictured - David Poultney of Saxon Crossway in Winsford.