LAUREN HATCH SHARD END POLICE DOG ATTACK AND ASSAULT ON OFFICER IN BIRMINGHAM

In a recent court case that has drawn significant attention, Lauren Hatch, a resident of Ridgewood in the Shard End area of Birmingham, was found guilty of multiple charges related to her conduct during a police incident on March 6, 2024. The incident unfolded after authorities responded to reports of an injured individual lying in the road, which prompted a swift police presence in the neighborhood.

According to court proceedings, Hatch was present at the scene when her son, identified as Jordan, attempted to flee on foot amidst the chaos. During the process of detaining her son, police deployed a police dog to assist in the apprehension. It was during this tense moment that Hatch's actions escalated; she was accused of kicking the police dog in the neck, an act that drew considerable concern from law enforcement officials and the court.

The prosecutor, Jonathan Purser, detailed that Hatch's reaction was prompted by her perception of her son being bitten by the police dog. He explained, “The defendant was present and her son tried to make off on foot. As part of him being detained, a police dog was used. The defendant was said to have kicked the dog to the side of the head, which resulted in her being arrested. She was also said to have delivered a kick to the officer who detained her, causing temporary pain.”

Furthermore, Hatch was accused of lashing out at Police Detective Jack, who was uninjured thanks to the protective clothing he was wearing. During her arrest, she also kicked out at the officer, an act that contributed to her charges of assaulting an emergency worker and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Hatch admitted to the charges, which included assault by beating an emergency worker and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Her defense attorney, Shabana Sharif, argued that her client’s behavior was a reaction to hearing her son scream and being bitten. Sharif emphasized that Hatch had mental health issues and was actively engaging with support services at the time.

In sentencing, District Judge Michelle Smith expressed her view that this incident appeared to be an isolated event. She imposed a community order on Hatch, which includes a 12-month supervision period, 20 days of rehabilitation activities, a fine of £40, and a compensation payment of £50 to the police officer involved. The court’s decision reflects a recognition of the circumstances but also underscores the seriousness of her actions during the incident in Birmingham’s Shard End area.