Police Officer Screams in Pain as Suspect Bites Leg During Arrest
A Gloucestershire Police officer was heard screaming in pain after a man he was arresting bit him on the leg during a violent struggle in Gloucester. The incident, captured on body-worn video, has led to the attacker being jailed and has disproved online theories that claimed the officer used unnecessary force.
Violent Arrest and Court Sentencing
Luke Goodhall, 39, from Cheltenham, was arrested on February 17 after allegedly assaulting a person on Eastgate Street. During the arrest, Goodhall bit the officer's leg, causing the constable to shout in pain and plead for him to stop. Goodhall responded by laughing and making derogatory remarks.
At Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on February 19, Goodhall admitted two offences: assault occasioning actual bodily harm on the first officer, for which he received a nine-month prison sentence, and common assault on a second emergency worker, resulting in a six-month concurrent sentence. He is also due in court on March 25 for an additional assault by beating charge.
As Goodhall was on licence from a previous prison term at the time of the offences, he will serve the remainder of that sentence before beginning the nine-month term.
Body-Worn Video Disproves Online Claims
Police have emphasized that the body-worn video footage contradicts social media posts that circulated without sound, which suggested the officer used excessive force. A spokesperson explained that the video clearly shows Goodhall biting the officer's leg during the altercation, justifying the officer's response.
Gloucestershire Police's Professional Standards Department reviewed the footage and deemed the officer's use of force—strikes to the body—as proportionate, necessary, and legitimate. The department noted that such videos often lack full context, leading to public concern.
Officer and Police Statements
The injured officer, who has served for 11 years, expressed relief that the full incident is now public to promote informed discussion. He stated, "I am now relieved that the full incident is being disclosed to promote that healthy discussion and hopefully bring about a better understanding of what occurred within this incident." He added that transparency can help foster understanding of use-of-force decisions.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Erica Field, the force's Use of Force lead, reiterated that officers are trained to use minimal force and attend annual safety training. She said, "We will not tolerate any assault on our officers and will always seek a prosecution."
Federation Support and Broader Context
Temporary Inspector Adam Williams of the Gloucestershire Police Federation highlighted the scrutiny officers face, with nearly 49,000 assaults on police in the past year in the UK—equivalent to one every 10 minutes. He criticized the unfair trial by social media, stating, "It is deeply unfair for hard‑working police officers to be tried on social media by individuals or groups who push only one side of the story."
The federation praised the officer's professionalism and pledged continued support for all members facing increasing risks in their duties.
