At around 4.25am on January 3 2015 police attended at a Manchester City centre car park after they had received a tip off about a drink driver.
The information they received was that semi professional footballer, Daniel Lafferty had been drinking and was about to drive off in a car. However, when the police tried to arrest him he lade a violent bid to escape their clutches and ended up jumping from the 25 ft high car park.
However, Lafferty, who plays for Northern Premiere League team Radcliffe Borough, was quickly apprehended after his bid to escape.
Magistrates in the Manchester court heard how the 26 year old had forced his way out of the police vehicle, assaulted the 2 officers and vaulted out of the car park.
An argument put forward by his legal team, averring that his drinks had been spiked has meant that Lafferty has walked free from court.
The court were told that Lafferty refused to give a sample of breath at the side of the car and managed to escape. During the struggle 1 police officer was left with an injured ankle and the other was struck in the mouth.
Prosecuting, Tess Kenyon stated that although Lafferty disappeared for a short time he was soon picked up by CCTV operators and arrested.
At court he admitted 2 counts of assaulting a police officer, failing to provide a specimen, and police obstruction.
He was sentenced to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay compensation to the police officers.
The court heard that Lafferty had a drink driving conviction from 2011 and disqualified him from driving for 3 years.
Lafferty was warned that the Magistrates had considered sending him to prison.
Mrs Claire Corster, defending, said her client, who was employed as a roofer, was convinced that his drinks had been spiked in the hotel.
“He is totally gutted and ashamed of his behaviour of which he has no recollection.”
Mrs Corster said following his arrest he had spent two days in hospital with a serious injury to his ribs and cuts and bruising. The court also told him he would have to pay costs of £145.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
