Officer tells court of struggle that occurred after police entered hotel room. Trial ongoing.
The Premier Inn staff had problems with Branch. People complained about the noise he made. So, the manager then called the police officers. Four officers showed up at the hotel. The court already heard these facts.
Branch opened the door at his room. He filmed everything with his phone. The police told him to leave right away. His reservation was cancelled by them too.
The talk was very brief. Branch agreed he would leave soon. One officer then moved toward Branch. The officer wanted to physically touch him quickly.
Officer Daniel Norris testified on Monday this week. He said the police made first contact. But, he said it was lawful to enter the room.
Someone pointed out Norris had no camera. His body worn camera was not working. Norris replied that it was charging somewhere. Norris admitted they lacked a warrant.
Branch was not cautioned first. Then, officers entered his hotel room. A struggle then started inside. Branch and police fought in the bathroom there.
Branch fell down into the tub. An officer sprayed him with a type of spray. The court gained this information. Two officers struck Branch in his face.
They used their open hands to restrain him. The officers say he fought back hard. The court learned this too. Norris said they could have done things differently.
He said they could have waited outside. Maybe then none of this would occur. The trial is still ongoing at this moment.