Ex-police inspector Roger Petherbridge punched woman in face

Roger William Petherbridge, 67, of Shepherds Lane, Compton, Winchester, pleaded guilty in Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, February 24, to assaulting Kirsten Scott by beating.

The court heard that on November 25 last year, in Shawford Down, Petherbridge was walking his two dogs off-lead when they began to fight with and bark at Miss Scott's dog, which she was walking on a lead.

A statement from a witness said that Petherbridge kicked out at Miss Scott's dog, saying "get your dog under control."

Basingstoke Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

The witness said that Miss Scott responded by saying: "Don't kick my f*cking dog", after which, Petherbridge walked up to her, pulled his right hand back and "hit her in the face."

The court heard that this was a single blow with a clenched fist.

Miss Scott gave a statement to the court, saying: "I consider myself quite a robust and resilient person.

"The unprovoked nature made it all the more shocking. He didn't care who I was and knew nothing about me."

She explained that the incident caused her emotional stress, saying it is the last thing she thinks about before going to sleep and the first thing when she wakes up.

"I struggle with stress and anxiety and struggle to sleep at night," she added.

"To learn he lied about the circumstances really shocked me; it made it much harder to reconcile."

In mitigation, Petheridge's defence, Felicity Joslin, said that he accepts Miss Scott's account and is "remorseful".

She added that "he wasn't trying to harm the dog, he likes dogs, he was trying to stop the confrontation."

She explained that he appeared in the dock as a person of previous good character, and is apologetic and remorseful for his actions, which she described as "out of character."

The court heard that Petherbridge, who appeared in the dock wearing a navy blue suit with a light blue shirt and navy blue tie, had suffered a number of recent bereavements and acted out of character. He took himself to the doctor after the altercation to find out why he committed the assault.

Petherbridge, who served as a policeman since the 1980s, never had any disciplinary action against him during his time as a police officer.

The court heard this incident is "something he regrets every day."

In sentencing, Judge Stephen Apted began by saying: "I'm absolutely flabbergasted. You should be utterly ashamed by your behaviour."

For his crime, Petherbridge received an increased financial penalty. He was fined £1,375 and must also pay £500 compensation to Miss Scott.

He must also pay a £550 surcharge and £85 in court costs - a total of £2,510. All costs must be paid within 28 days.