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Police officer scarred for life after being punched five times in the face

Adam Burgin (L) attacked PC Dan Lumley. (Police)
Adam Burgin (L) attacked PC Dan Lumley. (Police)

A police officer has been scarred for life after he was punched more than five times in the face.

PC Dan Lumley, a dog handler with South Yorkshire Police, was hospitalised with a broken nose and serious facial injuries after being assaulted in Rotherham on 2 September last year.

He was called to reports Adam Burgin, 29, had been damaging motor vehicles, threatening to kill family members and was in possession of a baseball bat.

Burgin attacked PC Lumley when he attempted to diffuse the situation, police said.

At one point, Burgin forced PC Lumley to the floor, used his weight against him and punched him in the face more than five times.

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PC Dan Lumley has been left with permanent scarring to his face. (Police)
PC Dan Lumley has been left with permanent scarring to his face. (Police)

PC Lumley suffered a broken nose, injuries to his left eye, and required ongoing treatment for loss of smell.

The officer has also been left with permanent scarring to his face.

Burgin fled the scene. He was later arrested by officers at home and subsequently charged.

Following a three day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, Burgin was found guilty of assaulting PC Lumley on Friday.

Burgin, who was convicted of Section 47 assault, will be sentenced on Tuesday.

After the verdict, PC Lumley said: “Following the incident I questioned why I joined the police force and if I wanted to continue with policing as a career.

“When you sign up to be a police officer you do so because you want to help the people in your community. You want them to be safe, and for them to feel protected.

“I have a family at home and I don’t go to work to be assaulted. Regardless of the circumstances, we don’t deserve to be treated in that way.”

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Sheffield Crown Court in Sheffield where Pawel Relowicz has been found guilty of raping and murdering Hull University student Libby Squire. Picture date: Thursday February 11, 2021.
Adam Burgin was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court. (PA)

PC Lumley added: “As I arrived on scene, the 999 caller and associates of Burgin were in distress from Burgin’s actions.

“I was trying to protect them and their property, and I ended up being seriously assaulted.

“Unfortunately police officers, as well as ambulance and fire colleagues face a very real chance of being assaulted at work; it is not part of the job and we do not tolerate it.

“I am pleased I am now in a positive place, and PD Vinnie and I have continued to work as a team.

“As public servants, these incidents have an effect on our wellbeing that should not be underestimated.”

Investigating Officer Emma Parsons added: “Police officers go above and beyond in their duties to protect people.

“Under no circumstances should they be the victim of an assault, whether that be physical or verbal.”