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Drunk officer punched students in rail rage

19/10/2005

A DRUNKEN police officer flew into a rage and punched two students when told he had missed his last train home after a Christmas party.

PC Gregory Knowles 25, of Storth Meadow Road, Glossop hurled insults at staff at Manchester Piccadilly Station, then rounded on two innocent students, punching them both in the face.

Knowles, who has since resigned from the force, had to be restrained by officers before they arrested him.

Manchester magistrates were told the former Stockport policeman thought his drink might have been spiked, but the bench was told there was no evidence.

He was given an 18-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £500 costs, and £60 compensation to each of the students.

Dianne Oliver, prosecuting, said Knowles had been out celebrating with pals, but had become separated from them. He arrived at the station at 2am and asked a member of staff what time his train was due.

When told there wouldn't be another until the morning, he swore and stalked away. But as he did so, he saw two students and approached them.

Ms Oliver said: "One of them put his hands up in a passive manner, but Knowles punched him several times in the face and back. The victim was left with a fat lip."

Knowles, who pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, said he could remember nothing of the incident.

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