A FORMER Herefordshire footballer grappled with a police officer who was trying to arrest him. 

Stuart Mills, of Holme Lacy, Hereford, pleaded guilty to obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty when he appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court last month. 

The court heard that police officers were made aware of an altercation between Mills and a homeless man in St Peters Square, Hereford, on May 6.  

"Mr Mills was approached by an officer," said prosecuting solicitor, Melanie Winterflood.

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"Mr Mills tried to pull the officer away. Officers told Mr Mills he was under arrest.

"He continued to pull away and tried to evade the arrest. One of the officers ended up on the ground.

"They end up in a pile. Eventually, he [Mills] got up from the ground and was handcuffed.

"One of the officers had an injury to his ankle. There is no suggestion from the Crown that was caused by Mr Mills."

In defence, Ed Middleton said that his client has had a difficult year. 

"He lost his grandfather from old age and his father passed away suddenly from a stroke," said Mr Middleton.

"May 6, 2023 was the day of the funeral."

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Mr Middleton added that the homeless man was propositioning Mills' wife and sister, who were with him. 

"Mr Mills told the gentleman to leave them alone," he said.

"He had been drinking and was deeply upset.

"It was difficult for Mr Mills to think clearly and rationally because he was having a rage of emotions. 

"Mr Mills has not been in trouble for some time since and suffered a heart attack.

"He regrets his actions and is sorry."

Mills was fined £151 and told to pay court costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £16 respectively.