A drug dealer who assaulted three police officers, including biting one, at a Brighton train station has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.
Kelvin Thompson, 27, was jailed for 57 months after pleading guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, assault causing actual bodily harm, and two counts of assault with intent to resist arrest.
The court heard that on 3 September 2024, plain-clothes officers from the British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce observed Thompson acting suspiciously at Preston Park railway station.
When officers approached Thompson, he was evasive in his responses and continued to display suspicious behaviour. Based on their observations, officers detained him for a search. During the search, he was found to be carrying three mobile phones, one of which he claimed belonged to a friend.
Officers also detected a concealed package under his clothing. When confronted about this, Thompson – despite being handcuffed – attempted to escape, managing to free one of his hands.
A violent struggle ensued in which Thompson kicked one officer in the groin, forced another into a wall, and bit a third officer, refusing to release his grip. Officers eventually regained control, re-secured Thompson in handcuffs, and took him into custody.
A further search at the station revealed two packages containing crack cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of £1,500.
Thompson, of Cambridge Road, Bournemouth, was sentenced on Thursday, 30 January, at Hove Crown Court.
Investigating officer DC Chris May condemned Thompson’s actions, stating: “Thompson’s behaviour in this case was totally unacceptable. We won’t tolerate attacks on our officers or other emergency workers, and we will prosecute those who choose to attack people for simply doing their job.
“Our County Lines Taskforce is specially trained to detect behaviours that set criminals apart from everyday passengers, and we will ensure they are brought to justice. If you are using the rail network to transport drugs, we will find you.”
