A man jailed for attacking four police officers told a judge to “hurry up” so he could return to his prison cell and “smoke a spliff.” Ian Bullock, 40, had an outburst as he received a two-and-a-half year sentence at Birmingham Crown Court on July 2.

Bullock shouted, “you won’t mess with the IRA, I’m a gypsy,” as he was taken to the cells. Judge Francis Laird showed him mercy by not punishing him further for the outburst. The judge ignored most of Bullock’s frequent interruptions during the hearing, recognizing that Bullock was upset and had serious mental health issues.

Last year, Bullock was jailed for sexually assaulting a woman in a women’s restroom, claiming he entered because he “identified as female.” After his release, he broke his sex offender notification requirements in August. His offender manager visited his supported housing on Witton Road, Perry Barr, but found he had been evicted. This led to Bullock being wanted by the police.

On September 3, police were called to Washington Court homeless hostel because Bullock was being aggressive to staff. Judge Laird said Bullock had argued with staff about whether he had been served breakfast.

Bullock was taken to Perry Barr custody suite and put in limb restraints due to his behavior. He first assaulted an officer by spitting in their face. Later, he punched another officer who spoke to him through an open cell door, leading to the second assault. He then split the lip of a third officer who came to help, resulting in a charge of unlawful wounding. Bullock’s third assault charge came from biting a fourth officer’s knuckle after being wrestled to the floor. He had 35 previous convictions for 73 offenses.

Bullock’s lawyer, Gary Cook, said his client had a difficult past and became addicted to class A drugs, which he overcame occasionally. Cook told the court that Bullock lived in a derelict warehouse because he didn’t want to live with others who had addiction problems, fearing he would relapse. Officers found him in the derelict building and, concerned for his well-being, took him to Washington Court, where he was arrested, leading to the current situation.

Bullock, of no fixed address, admitted to common assault, two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, and one count of unlawful wounding. Judge Laird, passing sentence, acknowledged Bullock’s frequent interruptions in court were due to his profound difficulties, not disrespect.