Naked man assaulted police officers in Skegness churchyard

Laurence Arthur Buckingham of Arcadia Road admitted assaulting the two officers when he appeared at Boston Magistrates' Court.

Prosecuting, Jim Clare said the two officers, PCs Ingamells and Philiips, went to St Mary's Church at 9pm on October 3 following reports that a naked man had been seen in the churchyard.

He said they found various tools spread about on the ground and a tin with photographs in it before Buckingham, wearing just a trench coat, came to them and said: “Get out of my house.”

He then dropped the coat, leaving himself completely naked, and punched PC Ingamells in the face.

Mr Clare said other officers had arrived and Buckingham had to be taken to the ground but was striking out and knocked PC Phillips so hard she fell to the ground knocking her head on the ground.

He said Buckingham then calmed down and apologised.

He said Buckingham had no previous convictions but did have a police caution for assault.

The magistrates heard from the Probation Service that Buckingham had described it to them as a 'manic episode' following a break-up, that he had mental health issues and had previously been sectioned.

Buckingham was given a community order with 15 rehabilitation days and ordered to pay £50 compensation to each of the officers and £85 in court costs.