A JUDGE wiped the smirks off the faces of a gang of town centre louts when he jailed them for up to six months.
But the prison terms didn't satisfy angry police officers and councillors who accused the criminal justice system of going soft on the Thornton Square thugs.
A top level inquiry has now been demanded into the handling of the case by the Crime Prosecution Service after plea bargaining prevented the louts from being jailed for longer.
The five were among a baying mob who terrorised police officers after one was caught stealing cans of lager.
The defendants were seen grinning and giggling at an earlier hearing before their charges were reduced from violent disorder to the lesser charges of threatening behaviour, which they admitted.
Already one of the gang has been freed from jail.
Softly, softly jail terms attacked
Four thugs - who caused mayhem in a town centre mall - have been jailed for three to six months.
But one of the Thornton Square gang - Aaron Larkin - is already back on the streets because he has already served his time on remand for the offence.
The sentences dished out by a judge at Knutsford Crown Court this week have been greeted by disdain by critics who believe the police have been undermined by a soft-option system of justice.
They were expecting the four thugs to be jailed for up to four years.
A fifth youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given no separate penalty for his part in the disturbance at Thornton Square on January 24, 2002, because he is already serving a six month jail sentence.
The sentences have done little to pacify Macclesfield bobbies who were fuming after charges against the gang, one of whom headbutted a police officer, were reduced by plea bargaining lawyers.
An insider said: "How can you justify a copper getting beaten up? You can't do a deal on that sort of offence. It's just not fair."
Macclesfield police chiefs have insisted they did everything to throw the book at the gang - but the matter left their hands once the lawyers took over.
They have demanded a full investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) into their handling of the affair, who have refused to comment.
Aaron Larkin, 18, of Kendal Road, who has already been released, Paul Raybould, 19, of Sunnybank Close; Daniel Mayers, 20, of Parkett Heyes Road; Craig Beaton, 19, of Pitt Street, and the 17-year-old youth originally denied charges of violent disorder.
But four then admitted lesser charges of threatening behaviour and Beaton, who headbutted the officer, admitted affray.
Afterwards Sam Johnson, secretary of the Cheshire Police Federation, slammed the legal system for failing to support the officers, who he said were 'taking positive action against aggressive and anti-social behaviour'.
He said: "It is wrong, for the sake of convenience in many cases, that lesser charges are accepted in order to simply dispose of the case.
"Whatever happened to the deterrent factor in any sentencing policy? These people need to be taught a lesson, instead of being allowed to laugh at the law."
He added: "The courageous police officers involved in this disturbing case feel let down by the legal system which has allowed the perpetrators of a vicious attack on an officer to walk away laughing."
Divisional commander, Superintendent Penny Wilson, said: "Divisional policy is to always charge to the full extent of the law when dealing with offenders who assault police officers.
"The court have heard the facts of the case and sentences are a matter for them."
She added: "Our main priority is to ensure the officers receive our support through the best possible training and protection from this type of offence."
Ivy Ward councillor Andrew Knowles, who warned that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated in his area, said: "I am pleased that they have been given jail sentences but I am still bitter that the charges were reduced.
"These sort of people are scum. They terrorise decent, law abiding residents."
Larkin, Raybould, and Mayers were each jailed for three months and Beaton was sentenced to six months in prison.
The defendants, who at earlier hearings had grinned and giggled, shifted nervously in the dock as Judge Derek Halbert handed out the sentences.
Judge Halbert said: "This was a significant and unpleasant incident of public disorder in Macclesfield.
"It involved a lone police officer having to face a large and hostile crowd.
"Attacks on police officers doing their duty are regarded seriously by the court and even more so as part of a large incident."
Police were at mercy of baying mob
IT was 8pm on Thursday, January 24 and WPC Sarah McDonagh was on her first day of duty.
She and PC Richard Johnson responded to a call over the police radio to attend Threshers off-licence in Thornton Square.
Staff had reported the theft of four cans of lager and there had also been some criminal damage to the shop.
When they arrived more than 15 youths were gathered in the square, many had been drinking and were rowdy.
They were taking details from staff inside the store when PC Johnson heard a voice from outside shouting that someone has been assaulted. The youths were still hanging around the square and the officer attempted to arrest one, but he ran away.
Craig Beaton started shouting abuse and threats at PC Johnson who took hold of him and told him he was under arrest for public order offences.
The mood changed and the officers who were trying to restore peace were suddenly at the mercy of baying youths.
Beaton screamed at PC Johnson: "Get the f... off me, I swear I'm going to smash you up if you don't get off me."
The gang of youths, included Larkin, Mayers, Raybould and the youth, surrounded the officer, they then jostled him, swearing and shouting, trying to get him to release their friend.
There was a violent struggle as Beaton tried to free himself from PC Johnson's grip.
It is then that Beaton headbutted the officer above his right eye and PC Johnson released his hold. The other youths, including the four other defendants were still shouting abuse and threats.
They were also throwing bottles and other missiles. Thornton Square had become a battleground.
WPC McDonagh, who was then also outside the shop, tried and fails to catch hold of Beaton. PC Johnson took hold of him again and the pair fell to the ground struggling.
While the officer was on the floor he was kicked and punched by some of the 15 youths still surrounding him. And he curled into a ball, holding his head to protect himself from the blows.
He could not see who was assaulting him.
WPC McDonagh sprays CS gas at the gang to break up the disturbance and more police officers arrive to help arrest the perpetrators.
An ambulance takes PC Johnson to Macclesfield Hospital to be treated for a cut over his right eye, bruising to his cheekbone and face.
It is a first day of duty WPC McDonagh will never forget.
