A Warrington woman who assaulted a venue staff member and three police officers during a single incident in Liverpool has been given a suspended prison sentence. Taia Antonia Ryder, 28, admitted to punching, biting, urinating on, and spitting at her victims after becoming aggressive at a music event.
Key Takeaways
- Taia Antonia Ryder, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating and three counts of assaulting a police officer.
- The incidents occurred on February 1 at Blackstone Street Warehouse in Liverpool, a hospital, and a police station.
- Ryder assaulted four people: a venue staff member and three separate police officers.
- She received a two-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete rehabilitation days.
- The court heard she had consumed a large amount of alcohol and had no memory of the events.
Assault at Liverpool Music Venue
The series of events began on February 1 at the Blackstone Street Warehouse in Liverpool. Taia Antonia Ryder, of Parker Street, Warrington, was attending a live music event when staff noticed she had a cut on her forehead and attempted to provide assistance.
According to Prosecutor Derek Jones, who spoke at Liverpool Crown Court on September 25, Ryder became aggressive when staff tried to help her. She reportedly threatened one staff member, Marcus Hongkins, saying, "I'm going to kill you."
After being moved to a search area, staff believed she had calmed down and released her. It was at this point that Ryder punched Mr. Hongkins in the lip with her left fist, causing a cut.
Confrontations with Police
Police and paramedics were called to the scene, as Ryder appeared to be under the influence of a substance. A decision was made to transport her to a hospital for assessment. While waiting, she became increasingly agitated.
The court heard that Ryder began thrashing in her chair and threatened to spit at the officers. PC Adam Humphreys attempted to place a spit hood on her for safety. In response, Ryder lunged forward and bit the officer on his left forearm.
Ryder was then restrained and taken to the hospital by ambulance. Her behaviour was described as erratic, alternating between being abusive and apologetic towards the officers accompanying her.
Further Incidents at Hospital and Police Station
At the hospital, Ryder's aggressive behaviour continued towards medical staff. When officers intervened, she lunged at a doctor and threatened to bite another officer. PC Angel Hill began restraining Ryder's legs to prevent further harm.
Mr. Jones told the court that PC Hill then felt her thigh become wet. Ryder had urinated on the officer while being held down and made comments indicating the act was deliberate. The officer had to remain in her urine-soaked uniform for several more hours while at the hospital.
After being discharged from the hospital around 11:20 pm, Ryder was taken to Edge Lane police station. There, a third officer, PC George Whitehead, was assaulted when Ryder spat in his face as he tried to remove a blanket from her.
Court Hearing and Sentencing
During her police interview the following day, Ryder stated she had consumed six to seven cocktails before arriving at the venue, plus more drinks at the bar. She reported remembering seeing "swirls and patterns" but could not recall the assaults.
Ryder pleaded guilty to four charges: one count of assault by beating and three counts of assaulting an emergency worker. She also admitted to being in breach of a suspended sentence issued in November 2023 for charges related to a dangerously out of control dog and smuggling Class A drugs into a prison.
Sentence Details
- Prison Sentence: Two months, suspended for 12 months.
- Rehabilitation: 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
- Abstinence: A three-month alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
- Costs: Ā£200 fine for the breach of the previous suspended sentence.
Defence and Mitigation
Ken Heckle, defending Ryder, explained that his client has "complex problems" and had "fallen through the cracks of different agencies." He suggested her actions may have been the result of a psychosis induced by alcohol.
"She has indicated she has very little recollection of it. But nonetheless the very next day at the police station she was apologising. So there is genuine remorse and regret right the way through this case," Mr. Heckle stated.
The court also heard from Sophie Hunt, a mental healthcare navigator from Warrington Voluntary Action, who has been supporting Ryder. Ms. Hunt described how Ryder had been homeless and living in a tent when they first met but has since enrolled as a student at Bolton University and is working to stabilize her life.
Recorder Mark Bradshaw described the offences as "frankly distressing and disgusting." However, he chose not to activate the previous suspended sentence, instead imposing a new two-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, alongside rehabilitation requirements.