Marcus Carpenter Hit PC Mia Gray While Attempting to Flee Collision Site
A bricklayer from Ebbw Vale has been handed a community order and driving ban after assaulting a police officer and refusing a breath test following a Boxing Day crash.
Marcus Carpenter, 37, attacked PC Mia Gray as she tried to stop him from leaving the scene of a collision in Tredegar, where a car had been driven into a parked vehicle.
Attempt to Flee and Assault on Officer
Prosecutor Robert Reid told Newport Magistrates’ Court that police suspected Carpenter had been driving the crashed vehicle. When officers questioned him, he attempted to walk away, saying:
“Get your f*ing hands off me.”
He then struck PC Gray in the face, causing pain to her lip, though no serious physical injury was reported.
Refusal to Provide Breath Sample
Carpenter was arrested and taken to Ystrad Mynach police station, where officers described him as unsteady on his feet, slurring his speech, and having bloodshot eyes. He flatly refused to provide a breath sample, despite being warned it was a criminal offence.
Court Hearing and Previous Offences
Carpenter pleaded guilty to:
• Assaulting an emergency worker
• Failing to provide a specimen of breath
• Being drunk and disorderly in a separate incident outside his home on November 19, 2023
The court heard Carpenter had previously been convicted of a similar offence involving failure to provide a sample.
Defence Cites Mental Health Struggles
Defence solicitor Ben Waters told the court that Carpenter had been struggling with poor mental health and PTSD following a series of family bereavements.
“He tries to tackle his quite obvious and rather sad mental health issues by working during the day, when he can, through self-employed bricklaying. But the evenings are more problematic, when he has time to himself to reflect on times with loved ones who are no longer with him,” Mr Waters said.
He argued that Carpenter’s actions were not a deliberate punch, but rather a reaction while resisting being handcuffed, adding that his client immediately apologised when the officer told him he had struck her.
Sentencing: Community Order and Driving Ban
Presiding Justice Jeffrey Russell followed the probation service’s recommendation, imposing a 12-month community order rather than a prison sentence.
Carpenter was sentenced to:
• A six-month alcohol treatment requirement
• 12 mental health treatment sessions
• 10 rehabilitation activity sessions
• A £300 fine
• A £114 victim services surcharge
• £85 in prosecution costs
• A 50-month driving ban due to previous driving offences
The case highlights the dangers of drink-driving and the serious consequences of assaulting emergency workers.
