A noise complaint at a Premier Inn in Ipswich escalated into a physical altercation with police, court hears.
The Premier Inn staff asked Branch to leave because he was too noisy after midnight. Branch refused to leave the hotel, so staff called the police for help.
PC Simon Cousins testified on Friday. He and two colleagues responded to the call, and he described what happened at the hotel. He stated that he was behind the other officers when Branch opened his room door.
PC Cousins said Branch was argumentative and questioned everything they said. Cousins said another officer then entered the room, and he followed the officer into the hotel room. A tussle then started between Branch and the officer, involving pushing and shoving.
The officers and Branch moved toward the bathroom, where police put at least one handcuff on Branch. PC Cousins heard someone say “spray,” referring to the potential use of PAVA spray.
The court read excerpts from Branch’s police interview. Branch said the spray burned his skin but did not get in his eyes. He felt that the police overreacted and that no one listened to him. Police then restrained him on the bed, face down.
PC Cousins disagreed that the officers’ entry was unlawful. Yet, he agreed that police actions escalated the situation. He said he would have tried a different approach, speaking longer before entering. The trial continues.