[A] MAN who assaulted two police officers and set fire to himself after being arrested in Carlisle has been sentenced.
Gary Walsh, 32, was punished today (FRI) for three offences he committed in breach of a suspended jail term imposed for previous criminal conduct.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Walsh was arrested on the night of June 30 at Warwick Road following an earlier alleged incident. He was handcuffed, became “agitated” and lashed out at two PCs.
In between, Walsh took out a lighter and “said he was going to set himself on fire”.
Concerned officers went to check on him but prosecutor Neil Ronan said: “He then proceeded to light himself, his clothing, on fire. He suffered burns.”
Walsh tried to flee before being detained by nearby door staff. He admitted two PC assaults and public order.
Walsh’s barrister called the incident a “blip”, and spoke of his “really good progress” following previous offending.
Opting not to activate the previously-imposed suspended sentence, Recorder Andrew McLoughlin imposed a 12-month community order. Walsh, of South Street, Fletchertown, must undergo rehabilitation, complete 120 hours’ unpaid work and observe a three-month night-time curfew.
