Attack gang behind bars

PCSO Tim Woodley was left with a broken nose and serious facial injuries following the attack in Brook Road, Wombourne.

Mr Woodley, who is in his 40s, was in uniform when he was assaulted by a gang he had approached after being called by an elderly couple, whose lives had been made a misery for years.

Mr John Attwood, prosecuting at Stafford Crown Court, said: "It was a nasty group attack, witnessed by a number of residents, who were shocked and frightened. They described the officer covered in blood and traumatised."

Michael Gill, aged 23, of Lilac Drive, his cousin Andrew Whittaker, 18, of Meadow Lane and Craig Taylor, 19, of Ounsdale Road, all Wombourne, each admitted violent disorder.

Gill was jailed for 18 months and the other two given youth custody for eight months. Craig Taylor's father Adrian, aged 44, of Dalkeith Street, Walsall, admitted witness intimidation and was jailed for six months.

Recorder Mr Alan Mainds said the gang "felt they could do as they wanted and terrorise people on this estate". He said: "It's probably the first time anyone had had the guts to stand up and tell them to behave."

Mr Attwood told the court: "It was Gill who began the violence. He had a hooded top and he put the hood up. Without any provocation Gill punched the PCSO hard in the face."

He said the other two, with their hoods up, joined in. One holding the officer.

Mr Woodley, who has since returned to duty, lost his radio and his helmet in the attack on May 22.

A couple who went to help the officer were threatened by Adrian Taylor two days later, the court heard.