Thug attacked two people and a police officer in the street

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, March 30, how Sam Johnson, 21, was spotted attacking a woman after a witness heard shouting and swearing among a group of people at Heath Grove, near Cote Heath Park.

Prosecuting solicitor Rod Chapman said: “A witness reported a violent incident at Heath Grove after he heard shouting and swearing from the recreation ground.

“He looked across and saw two women and five men all arguing.

“A man from the group punched one of the women in the face and he punched her again causing her to fall to the ground.

“The person responsible was arrested and we know him as Sam Johnson.”

The court heard how another witness said he saw Johnson punch the woman in the face and as the witness tried to intervene, the defendant threw further punches at him.

Mr Chapman also added that as Johnson was restrained by a police officer the defendant kicked the officer in the shin.

Johnson, of Hanover Towers, Stockport, pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and one count of threatening behaviour after the incident on February 26.

He also admitted failing to surrender to custody on March 16 while he was on bail and he had to be re-arrested on a warrant.

Defence solicitor David Gittins requested that Johnson be allowed a report with the probation service for the court to consider all the defendant’s circumstances before sentencing.

Magistrates agreed to adjourn the case until April 25 to consider a pending probation report.

Johnson was released on conditional bail on the grounds he does not enter Buxton, does not contact the complainants and others and reports on a daily basis to Cheadle Heath police station.