7 men and 2 women charged for causing hurt to police officers, using abusive language against them

Nine people will be charged in court for separate cases for causing hurt to police officers and using abusive language against them, according to the police.

The offences were committed between January and October 2017.

The first incident took place on Jan 28, where a 35-year-old man was believed to be drunk and causing a nuisance to members of the public.

When police attended to the incident, the man had hurled vulgarities and pushed and kicked them.

The next incident on May 11 involved a 33-year-old woman who was believed to have caused hurt to her family members during a case of dispute. When police arrived, the suspect hurled vulgarities at the police officers and tore up a police statement.

On June 24, a 20-year-old man had pushed and punched a police officer when the officer was conducting a check.

On July 20 , a 43-year-old man had hurled vulgarities towards the police during a case of dispute over payment of taxi fare.

On Aug 6, a 41-year-old woman had also hurled vulgarities towards the police and also kicked police officers.

On Aug 22, when investigating a case of dispute between neighbours, a 66-year-old man had hurled vulgarities towards police officers.

On Aug 24, a 22-year-old man had hurled vulgarities towards the Police during a case of dispute.

On Oct 1, a 42-year-old man had spit saliva on police officers and was believed to have used criminal force in doing so.

On Oct 25, a 42-year-old man was arrested for drunkenness in public. While he was being arrested, the man had hurled vulgarities towards the police and also kicked an officer on the leg.

If found guilty of contravening Section 6(1)(a) of the Protection from Harassment Act, the suspects can be jailed for up to 12 months and/or fined up to $5,000.

If found guilty of voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant in the discharge of his duty, they can be jailed for up to seven years, fined, caned, or a combination of the three penalties.

Those convicted of using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty can be jailed for up to four years and/or fined.

The police stressed that they take a serious view against people who obstruct the police officers from carrying out their duties or causing them harm. 

"While policing is a profession not without its risks and hazards, the Police have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence towards Police officers or public servants who are carrying out their duties and will not hesitate to take action against those who blatantly disregard the law and harm police officers," said the police in a statement.