Police were called to Clifton Leisure Centre on Southchurch Drive, Nottingham, following reports that 34-year-old Mark Diuk was sleeping rough in a bin store at the back of the centre. Staff raised concerns after Diuk left used needles on the floor, obstructing bin removal.
A Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) arrived at around 9.30am on Saturday, 21 August 2021, responding to a complaint from the centre manager. The officer climbed a six-foot metal fence to speak to Diuk, who was asleep on the floor.
When the PCSO attempted to wake him, Diuk lunged to push past but was stopped as the officer grabbed his rucksack strap. The situation quickly escalated when Diuk punched the PCSO in the face and tried to strangle him, causing both to fall to the ground.
The officer sustained cuts and deep grazes to his face, neck, hands, and fingers, as well as a head wound that required hospital treatment. During the struggle, Diuk shoved his fingers into the officer’s mouth and eyes.
Diuk, who was wanted on recall to prison, fled towards Clifton Central Park. A large manhunt followed, involving dogs, drones, and armed units, but he evaded capture until the next day. Police arrested him shortly after midday on Sunday on Victoria Embankment.
On 23 August, Diuk was sentenced to six months in prison at Nottinghamshire Magistrates Court. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the assaulted officer.
Sergeant Nigel Bradley of Nottinghamshire Police said, “Assaults on frontline emergency service workers who work tirelessly to serve and protect the public are totally unacceptable. This sentence sends a clear message that such criminality will not be tolerated.”
He added, “Our PCSOs and police officers have the right to do their jobs without being assaulted. This was a vicious attack and the welfare of our officer is now our priority.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
