Driver admits drinking offence but denies assaulting police woman court hears

Abuse was hurled at a police officer who was then assaulted when she tried to apprehend a drunk driver, a court heard.

Ukranian national Yuriy Makoday pleaded guilty to drink driving at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court but denied assaulting a police officer and racially harassing her.

Makoday, who strained to understand the charges against him as he defended himself in the dock on Thursday, April 11, had been driving his Volvo along Longbridge Road, Barking, on March 22.

Prosecutor Sulochana Singh said: “There was an accident.

“An officer stopped to intervene, identified herself as an officer by holding up her warrant card, asked him (Makoday) to stop and asked him if he was OK.

“The defendant was in his vehicle moving the gear stick backwards and forwards attempting to drive off.

“He slapped the officer three times on her right-hand knuckle hard with his hand when she tried to take his car keys to stop him driving off.”

The two outstanding offences will be heard in trial at Romford Magistrates’ Court on May 31. Witnesses are being called by the prosecution and an interpreter arranged for Makoday, 47, of Barking Road, Newham.

For pleading guilty to driving whilst unfit through drink, Chair Magistrate John Quarm imposed an interim driving disqualification lasting for six months or until sentencing on Makoday, who was released on unconditional bail.