A 14-year-old boy who spat at and hit a police officer during widespread disorder in Bolton has been sentenced to a referral order at Manchester Magistrates’ Court. The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker. The court heard how the boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was part of a large group of masked teenagers in and around Bolton town centre on Sunday, August 4.
Prosecuting solicitor Khan said the boy had grabbed a police officer, spat on him, and hit him on his face. Sign up to our newsletters to get the latest stories sent straight to your inbox. In a victim personal statement read out to the court by Mr Khan, the man – who has been a police officer for 21 years – said: “I became a police officer to keep people safe, to come to work and be spat on is disgusting, the most cowardly act imaginable.
” There was a large police presence in Bolton town centre due to widespread disorder on August 4 (Image: Phil Taylor) Defence solicitor Okhar said the boy had come to Bolton town centre following the main disorder in the day. Ms Okhar said: “I think he does understand the stupidity of what he did on this occasion. “I think it’s been a learning curve for him, a group of lads and he got over himself.
” “The riots themselves have actually finished, he’s decided with a group of friends to see what the aftermath is. “He accepts that his behaviour has been unacceptable, having thought about it.” Described as co.