Chelmsford: Man caught within an hour of bottle attack is convicted

A man has been convicted of attacking a stranger with a broken bottle thanks to the speedy work of a police officer who arrested him within an hour of the assault.

The victim, a 71-year-old man, was enjoying a New Year’s Day walk at around 3pm on 1 January, when he had the misfortune to meet Alan Nicholson.

Nicholson, 53, walked towards the victim on Chatham Hall Lane, Little Waltham, Chelmsford, before shouting at him in an aggressive manner.

Nicholson then picked up a glass bottle from a nearby grass verge, smashing it on the road and chasing the victim as he tried to flee.

The victim fell over while running away from the defendant.

Nicholson approached him, stood over him and thrusted the broken bottle towards his face.

The victim turned his face to protect his face and eyes, resulting in the offender catching the side of his head with the broken glass, causing a cut.

Nicholson then walked away onto Blasford Hill.

Quickly on the scene

A passer-by spotted the victim and came to his aid, before dialling 999.

This passer-by soon spotted an individual matching Nicholson’s description and called us to make us aware.

By this time, PC Watkinson was on the scene. With the victim in her car, the officer drove in the direction of where the suspicious male had been spotted.

Passing the male, the victim identified him as the man who had assaulted him.

PC Watkinson arrested Nicholson at 3.38pm and placed him in handcuffs.

After his arrest, Nicholson began to get agitated and tried to headbutt the officer.

He was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

Once in custody, the victim successfully identified Nicholson from a line-up.

Unacceptable assault on a stranger

Nicholson was charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and common assault of an emergency worker.

Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday 5 September, he was left with no choice but to admit to both charges.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday 6 October.

DC Ant Storrar, of Chelmsford CID, said:

“This was a completely unprovoked and unjustified attack, with no discernible motive.
“Thanks to the quick work of officers getting to the scene and supporting the victim, we were able to stop this offender and prevent any further harm to other members of the public.
“Once arrested, Nicholson saw fit to try and attack a police officer who was just trying to do her job.
“No-one, be it law-abiding members of the public, or Essex Police colleagues going about their work keeping the public safe, deserves to be assaulted.
“We will take swift and effective action against anyone who looks to behave in this completely unacceptable manner.”

What you know could be the missing puzzle piece we’re looking for.

We know that information held by our communities can help us to keep people safe and catch criminals.

We also know that our communities need to trust that we will listen to them and take action when we need to.

Our Police Intelligence page explains what happens when you tell us something you've seen or heard. It explains what to expect and what we need to know when you give us information. 

If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right or causes you concern, we want you to tell us about it.

At Essex Police, we value difference, and know that we’re strongest when we all work together.

If you share our values and want to protect and serve our communities, why not join us?

If you think you could protect and serve the people of Essex, either as a police officer, member of staff or volunteer, why not see if you fit the bill?

Find out more by visiting our careers page.