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May 19, 2023

Man 'cut off wheel clamp with angle grinder and headbutted cop' during row with bailiff

After the bailiff fitted a clamp to the wheel of Woodward's van, he allegedly

After the bailiff fitted a clamp to the wheel of Woodward's van, he allegedly fetched a cordless grinder from inside, and started removing it

A man whose van was clamped by a bailiff allegedly used an angle grinder to cut it off, before head-butting one of the attending police officers, a court heard.

Fearing the angle grinder may be used as a weapon against him, the bailiff called the police.

Paul Woodward, a 52-year-old Denbighshire, Wales local, was confronted at his home by two bailiffs in January of this year, who had been sent to try to enforce a Denbighshire County Council parking fine of £113.

The bailiff Christopher Whitney and a trainee - who were enforcement agents for Proserve Debt Recovery and Bailiff Service, identified themselves to Woodward at his door, a Llandudno Magistrates courtroom heard today.

Prosecutor Julia Galston told the court the two men had a warrant allowing them to seize goods to the value of the fine, North Wales Live reported.

However, Woodward was said to have become "aggressive", according to the trainee, Samuel Porter.

Mr Whitney and Mr Porter then fitted a clamp to a front tyre on Woodward's white Citroen Berlingo van.

Soon afterwards, the court heard of how Woodward went out to his van, fetched a cordless grinder from inside, and started removing the clamp.

Mr Whitney claimed he heard Woodward spit. Mr Porter said Woodward spat "in the direction" of Mr Whitney.

Mr Whitney told the prosecutor he thought the grinder could have been used as a weapon and it was best to stay back.

Mr Whitney said: "He was cutting off the clamp with the grinder. You could clearly see sparks...as I drove away."

The bailiffs drove a short distance away.

But the court heard Woodward then drove off in the van.

Police caught up with him and stopped Woodward's vehicle on Meliden Road.

PC Alun Evans said Woodward, in the driving seat, released the brakes and it started rolling back. So the officer reached in to pull up the handbrake.

PC Evans said that as he did: "I have been headbutted to the left hand side of my head, just above the ear...by the defendant. I felt a sharp pain in my head, I was in shock."

Bob Vickery, defending, said no-one actually saw Woodward spit.

The court heard Woodward didn't immediately get out of the car when police arrested him.

Footage from PC Evans' body worn camera was played in court showing PC Evans swearing as he tried to get Woodward out of his van.

The defence solicitor accused PC Evans of being "in a pumped up state having lost control." PC Evans is heard telling another officer to "Taser" Woodward.

But PC Jason Osborne told the court he didn't because he didn't think it appropriate as Woodward was still in the driving seat and it could have affected his driving.

Woodward has denied causing criminal damage to the wheel clamp, assaulting bailiff Christopher Whitney and assaulting emergency worker PC Alun Evans.

Llandudno Magistrates held his trial today but there was only time for part of it to be heard.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the defence to be heard at the same court next month.

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