Devon County Council has welcomed the sentence imposed by Barnstaple Magistrates on a man found guilty of assaulting a civil enforcement officer.
On 2 July 2023, one of our civil enforcement officers was physically harmed while carrying out their official duties in managing road restrictions and on-street parking in Barnstaple. The incident left the officer with injuries that required medical attention.
Following a thorough police investigation and subsequent legal proceedings, the defendant, Yanko Yankov, aged 44, from George’s Terrace in Barnstaple, was found guilty of assault and assault by battery in May. He was sentenced at Barnstaple Magistrates Court this week (Tuesday 22 October).
Barnstaple Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order on Yankov. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and to pay compensation and court fees amounting to £984.
After the sentencing, Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“We welcome the outcome of this case and believe this sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the impact on the victim. We hope it reinforces the message that assaults on public servants will not be tolerated and that it will deter similar offences in the future.
“Unfortunately, this case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by civil enforcement officers but it underscores the importance of respecting their role in maintaining public order and safety. We would like to thank the affected officer for their continued dedication and service, and we would also like to express our thanks to the Police for their support in resolving this matter. We will continue to work in partnership to address such issues.”
Civil enforcement officers play a crucial role in managing restrictions on our roads, keeping the local highway network moving and ensuring the safety of the travelling public.
Their work enables essential services like buses and gritters to pass through congested areas. Their role also often includes community engagement, such as working with schools and local organisations, to promote safety on Devon’s roads.