Policeman makes attacker job plea

Goodman was given community service at Selkirk Sheriff Court

A policeman has pleaded for a man who left him injured not to be sacked from his job with the fire service.

Michael Goodman, 37, could lose his job as a crew chief in Edinburgh after admitting struggling with police after the Melrose Rugby Sevens on 12 April.

However, Selkirk Sheriff Court heard his victim did not want him to lose his job for "two minutes of madness".

Goodman, who left the policeman with ruptured shoulder ligaments, was given 100 hours community service.

The court heard how the police sergeant had tried to stop him from stepping in front of a bus in Melrose but had been pushed to the ground which resulted in the injury.

Goodman, who is the crew chief at the Crewe Toll Fire Station in Edinburgh, faces a disciplinary hearing later this month.

No doubt those considering disciplinary measures against you will take into account the generous response by the police officer which was made public by the procurator fiscal Sheriff Kevin Drummond

Sally Clark, prosecuting, said the policeman involved had contacted their office to say he had resumed work on restricted duties last week.

He is also receiving physiotherapy at Borders General Hospital.

"His main reason for contacting the office, though, was to express the view that he did not want him to lose his job as a skilled fireman for what was really two minutes of madness," Ms Clark said.

"It would not be in the public interest in his view."

Goodman, of Lauderdale Drive, Lauder, pleaded guilty to charges of police assault, resisting arrest and breach of the peace.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Kevin Drummond said Goodman should be well aware that alcohol and drunkenness were no excuse for attacks on emergency workers serving the public.

"No doubt those considering disciplinary measures against you will take into account the generous response by the police officer which was made public by the procurator fiscal," he added.

Unintentional reaction

He said it was the first time he had come across a case of an emergency services worker assaulting another member of the emergency services.

Defence lawyer Heather Stewart said Goodman had been angry at being punched in the face for no reason by a passing youth and had tried to chase after him.

She added that it had been an unintentional reaction to push the police officer to the ground and he was "horrified" at his own behaviour.

Ms Stewart explained that Goodman had written a letter of apology to the police officer concerned.

"As a result of this incident it is likely he will lose his employment," she said.

"The family home has been placed on the market."