COURTS must use their powers to send a strong message that assaults against emergency workers will never be acceptable, it has been said.

A piece of legislation aimed at those who commit such offences was put in place in 2018.

But Sgt Mark Jones, secretary and treasurer of the North Wales Police Foundation, said assaults actually appear to be increasing.

The law is being strengthened so offenders face a maximum of two years in jail instead of one.

Sgt Jones said: "We're seeing far more police officers assaulted in the line of duty.

"The assaults have really shot up over the last few years. "Some might just shake it off and get on with their duties but we are encouraging officers to actually report when they have been assaulted so that appropriate action can be taken.

"You could have a police officer assaulted and receiving a nasty injury - and while the offender has been to prison for a short time and they are back out living their life, the officer may have to live with that injury forever.

"The doubling of the maximum sentence is a positive step forward, but we need to see the courts step up and make sure they utilise their full powers to send a strong message that this behaviour will never be acceptable."

Sgt Jones said as well as impacting on the health of the officer in question, assaults also take a toll on morale and resources.

"These are people - normal human beings - who go out there to protect their communities," he said.

"We say it is not and never will be acceptable to assault police officers or any emergency service workers."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Police officers dedicate their lives to protect us - it’s unacceptable to assault them and should never be part of the job.

“That’s why we’re increasing the maximum penalty from 12 months to two years in prison for anyone who assaults an emergency worker.”

Speaking about assaults against officers recently Richard Debicki, North Wales Police deputy chief constable, said: “Every single day our officers, staff and volunteers are often dealing with very difficult and challenging situations and putting themselves in harm’s way to uphold the law and protect the public, they must be able to carry out their duties as safely as possible.

"Being assaulted is not and should never be regarded as ‘part of the job’.

“It is wholly unacceptable for them to be threatened, attacked, verbally abused or spat at – and those responsible should face the full force of the law."