Powys woman, 19, bit police officer following arrest

Jamie Gee, 19, accidentally bit Dyfed Powys Police officer Adam Hutchinson on December 19, after he had tried to calm her down when she began trying to harm herself following her arrest. Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard last week that Gee often bites herself as it calms her down, and that she immediately apologised to PC Hutchinson after biting him. Gee, of Falcon Court, Newtown, admitted common assault at court on Tuesday, January 9.

Prosecutor Suzanne Cartwright said the incident occurred on December 19, 2023, along the A470 in Brecon. OTHER NEWS: “The defendant had been arrested for an unrelated matter and put into the back of the van,” said Ms Cartwright.

“She became irritated and resistant and began to try to harm herself, hitting her head against the back of the cage. Officers tried to prevent her and PC Hutchinson was sitting with her on the floor. “The defendant bit her own hands and handcuffs and PC Hutchinson tried to hold the cuffs away from her head.

The defendant has then bitten his left arm, which caused a significant mark to appear on his forearm. “She said ‘sorry, I thought it was my arm’. She admitted the bite in interview, saying she had believed it was her own arm.”

Ms Cartwright said the officer attended hospital where he received a tetanus injection. She said Gee had no previous convictions. Rob Hanratty, representing her, said Gee was “having a moment”. “She didn’t mean to hit or bite him and apologised straight after,” said Mr Hanratty.

“She was blindingly biting at her arm and immediately apologised. It was a reckless act by a very young lady.”

Gee was interviewed by probation officer Julian Davies, who said she had reacted badly on the day.

Magistrates told Gee to comply with a 12-month community order, which will include a nine-month alcohol treatment order and 20 rehabilitation activity days.

She was ordered to pay GBP150 compensation to PC Hutchinson and she was also fined GBP40 and told to pay GBP85 costs.