MARTIN SAMA FROM READING INVOLVED IN VIOLENT POLICE DOG ATTACK AND DRUG INCIDENTS

Martin Sama, a career criminal with a history of offenses, was involved in a serious incident in Reading that resulted in his conviction and subsequent imprisonment. Born in November 1987 and residing on Faringdon Walk, Reading RG30 3LD, Sama's criminal activities have spanned several years, culminating in a violent confrontation with police and a police dog during a pursuit that drew significant attention from law enforcement authorities.

According to court reports, Sama was pursued by police after officers observed a shredded back tyre on a Lexus being driven by him. The police officer, Constable Christopher Bushnell, who was on patrol, noticed the damaged vehicle and decided to follow Sama. During the pursuit, Sama demonstrated reckless driving behavior, running through two red lights and swerving across multiple lanes of traffic, which posed a danger to other road users.

As the chase intensified, Sama abruptly exited the moving vehicle and sprinted down an alleyway, prompting PC Bushnell to release his police dog, Caesar, a Dutch Shepherd trained for such pursuits. The dog immediately engaged in the chase, but the situation quickly escalated when Sama turned violent. Witnesses and officers reported that Sama attacked Caesar, biting the police dog and striking its handler, PC Bushnell. During the altercation, Sama also bit PC Bushnell’s fingers while he was attempting to restrain him.

PC Bushnell recounted the incident in court, stating, “Caesar chased the male down the alleyway and I followed. I heard the male scream. Caesar had bitten him in the buttock. The man was lashing out and swinging Caesar’s body. The man was striking the dog. Caesar released his grip and dropped off.” Recognizing the danger Sama posed to both the police and the dog, PC Bushnell called for backup and attempted to subdue Sama with a punch, but the suspect continued to resist.

When additional officers arrived at the scene, they found Sama in possession of a small quantity of cannabis and a 20-inch machete. The police also recovered the shredded tyre from the Lexus. Caesar, who had been injured during the attack, was taken to a veterinary clinic the following day and was unable to return to duty for four days due to his injuries.

Sama was taken into custody and brought before the court, where he admitted to driving the Lexus but denied ownership of the drugs and weapon found on him. He claimed that the cannabis was discarded in the alley and was not his, and that the machete had been brought into the vehicle by an unidentified passenger he was giving a lift to. Sama also denied hitting the police dog or biting PC Bushnell, asserting, “I did not strike the dog at all. I wouldn’t do that to a dog. I also didn’t bite the officer’s fingers. I was beaten so badly I even lost my shoes.”

However, the court was unconvinced by Sama’s claims, especially given his prior convictions for dangerous driving and drug offenses. District Judge Susan Cooper expressed skepticism about his assertions, stating, “It seems ludicrous to suggest the cigarette packet wasn’t on you. Two officers could see it was. I also believe you were travelling at speed. You have come to court today and told many lies.”

Ultimately, Sama was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his actions, which included causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, assaulting a police officer, possessing an offensive weapon and drugs, and dangerous driving. The incident in Reading highlights the dangers posed by repeat offenders and the importance of law enforcement efforts to maintain public safety.