More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
An abusive drunk who assaulted a police officer and subjected her colleague to homophobic abuse has been jailed for seven months - but is likely to be freed in days due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mahabeer Bahia, from Gravesend, has six previous convictions for assaulting emergency workers, physically and verbally abused the two constables as they arrested him for headbutting his mother.
Once told by a court he had 'a problem with authority', the 25-year-old had attacked Inderjit Bahia after turning up intoxicated at her home in Gravesend, and being asked to go to bed.
Police were called, only for Bahia to lash out at PC Stephanie Howes as he was being handcuffed. He then subjected her colleague to homophobic abuse as he was placed into a police van.
Bahia, of Darnley Street, admitted assaulting an emergency worker, threatening behaviour, and assault causing actual bodily harm to his mum.
His previous convictions, all committed in the last three years, also include four other offences of threatening behaviour as well as three for racially aggravated harassment.
But despite being sentenced to a total of seven months' imprisonment on Friday, April 3, at Maidstone Crown Court, Bahia is expected to be released within a matter days.
Judge Julian Smith said that having already served three months on remand and due to consideration being given to the early release of eligible inmates amid the Covid-19 crisis, he expected the prison service would seek his release "as soon as possible".
"I apprehend you will be released more quickly than would be the case in light of the circumstances within prison," he told Bahia.
"Your release will be within the next couple of weeks, possibly within the next few days."
The judge did however impose a six-month restraining order banning Bahia from going to the family home and contacting his brother as he said he was concerned existing tensions could be exacerbated by the government lockdown.
"My anxiety is he gets out of prison at this difficult time when, for want of a better phrase, it's not normal out there," added Judge Smith.
The restraining order does not however prevent Bahia from contacting his mother who, the court heard, did not support the prosecution's application for such an order.
Mrs Bahia suffered a cut to the bridge of her nose and 'significant' swelling during the incident on December 27 last year.
Her son continued to be 'verbally and physically aggressive' when police arrived, prosecutor Edmund Gross told the court.
He first pushed PC Howes into a door, causing her to hit the back of her head, before repeatedly kicking her legs.
But having eventually been restrained and put into a cell van, Bahia then hurled abuse PC Rhys Williams, telling him 'Shut your mouth,' he then subjected him to homophobic abuse again.
The derogatory slur, described by the officer as "highly offensive", was caught on his bodyworn camera.
In a statement to the court, PC Howes said she also found the insult 'entirely unacceptable and degrading'.
Of the attacks by Bahia on herself and his mother, she added: "I don't expect to come to work and be assaulted for carrying out my daily duties.
"He had a complete disregard for me as a police officer and, given the injury he had given his mother, I feel he believes he is entitled to assault women."
Tom Dunn, defending, told the court alcohol abuse was the root cause of Bahia's 'deeply unattractive and unedifying' behaviour, adding that his client was 'very sorry'.
"He had a complete disregard for me as a police officer and, given the injury he had given his mother, I feel he believes he is entitled to assault women..."
Passing sentence, Judge Smith said: "This was a deeply unattractive incident and frankly, part of a growing list of previous convictions, all linked to your profound addiction (to alcohol).
"It s a matter of real concern to the court and no doubt for your family...It is not for me to tell you these things but for goodness sake, get a grip on this drinking."
Of the violent attack on his mother, the judge also told Bahia: "I have little doubt you are ashamed of having done that. She is your mother, loves you and offers you security, and in a drunken state that's how you repay her."
Bahia, who appeared via video link with Elmley Prison in Sheppey, had himself told the court he missed his mum and was ashamed of his behaviour.
"I have come into prison and I realise I'm not that kind of person and want to change my life," he said.
"I haven't spoken to my mum since and I really miss her."
For information on how we can report on court proceedings, click here.
