Police drew taser to calm man down after assault

Wayne Hodgeon, 39, of Arnhem Road, Callon, Preston, slapped victim Zoe Traynor in a confrontation when she answered the door to him on January 14, Preston Magistrates’ Court heard.

Hodgeon, who appeared by video link from Preston prison, then damaged her new partner’s car in what the court heard was a racially motivated incident.

He insulted the man, thought to be of West Indian origin, with racist terms.

Prosecuting, Chrissie Hunt told the court Hodgeon had demanded to see his children during the assault.

He fled the scene in a car.

His victims called the police and as police pursued him he swore and shouted: “Come on then”.

The police officer had to point the Taser at him and he was subsequently arrested Hodgeon admitted assault, threatening behaviour, and racially aggravated criminal damage.

Imposing a 12 week jail term , suspended for two years, the chairman of the bench said: “The offences individually didn’t cross the custody threshold.

“But your previous record and the offences altogether made it more serious.”

Hodgeon was given a 45 day rehabilitation activity requirement and curfew for what the bench described as a “racial element”.

The court also imposed a two year restraining order against his victims and ordered Hodgeon to pay £350 compensation to the man for the damage to the vehicle and £100 compensation to Miss Traynor, as well as an £80 victim surcharge.