Man suffering psychotic episode tried to fire Taser at police officer

A MAN suffering from alcohol-induced psychosis wrestled a Taser from a police officer's grip and attempted to Taser him before using it to strike him repeatedly.

- PHILIP DEWEY

The officer, who had to call for back-up after his attacker took hold of the weapon, later required hospital treatment.

Mark Workman, 44, was intoxicated and acting erratically when his distraught partner contacted the police and told them he was smashing up their house in Aberaman, near Aberdare.

There were concerns for the defendant's mental health, and when officers arrived at the property on February 28, they were greeted by his father.

A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard Workman told police his parents were "not his real mother and father" and he wanted to speak to the "real police".

Due to the defendant's demeanour, an ambulance was called. However, Workman attempted to leave through the front door, but was prevented from doing so.

He then left through the back door and ran down the gravel path before smashing through a wooden gate.

Officers attempted to detain the defendant as he made his way into the street, and the decision was made to withdraw a Taser, out of concern for Workman's welfare.