Man who headbutted police officer in Bedford Hospital is jailed
Liam Moriarty was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Last updated 6th Mar 2026
A man who violently attacked a police officer and spat in the face of another has been jailed for two and a half years.
Liam Moriarty headbutted Special Constable Jack Capener so hard that both men were left unconscious.
The attack happened on the 6th of September last year, when 31-year-old Moriarty was arrested after a car he was travelling in had been involved in a collision in Shefford.
Moriarty was injured in the collision and was transported to Bedford Hospital where the assault on SPC Capener took place.
While receiving medical treatment for further injuries after headbutting SPC Capener, Moriarty continued his violent behaviour, resulting in damage costing more than £5,000 to hospital equipment. Another officer was also abused.
Moriarty, of no fixed address, admitted earlier this year charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker and criminal damage to hospital equipment.
On Friday the 27th of February, Moriarty was sentenced at Luton Crown Court to two and a half years’ imprisonment, minus the six months he has already spent on remand.
SPC Capener, who was unable to return to duty for almost two months after the attack, said: “Every officer knows there is a potential for danger any time you go out. Running towards danger is a part of the job, but being assaulted is not."
“This was a horrible attack that came while we were caring for someone in our custody. We take every precaution, but sometimes keeping the public safe unfortunately comes at a cost."
“I welcome Moriarty’s sentence and the courts recognition that assaults on emergency workers are unacceptable.”
Chief Inspector Emma Nicol of Bedfordshire Police said: “This was a shocking and cowardly attack on an officer who was simply trying to do their job, and I am pleased Moriarty has received a considerable custodial sentence."
“It’s a reminder that every single day officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe."
“This was a man who attacked officers when they’d tried to assist him by taking him to hospital. I would like to commend the actions of the officers who behaved with exemplary restraint and courage.”