THE man known as the ‘Lotto Rapist’ resisted arrest at his Stocksfield home shouting ‘I’m a multi-millionaire, I’m not going anywhere!’

Iorwarth Hoare, now known as Edward Thomas, claimed police were jealous of his wealth and used ‘excessive force’ when they arrested him on suspicion of flashing.

Following a trial at South-East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Thomas was found guilty of resisting or obstructing police in the execution of their duty.

Four police officers from Hexham arrested Thomas on May 3 this year, on suspicion of indecent exposure following an incident in Healey, on April 26.

He was later acquitted of the charge at Newcastle Crown Court.

On the day in question, officers arrived at Thomas’ Broomley home as he returned from feeding his partner’s sheep.

Arresting officer, PC Samantha Maughan described the defendant as instantly aggressive and said that he ‘stamped around’ demanding to call his solicitor.

She told the court: “The first sentence that came out of his mouth was ‘I’m a multi-millionaire, I’m not going anywhere.’

“He showed total disregard for myself, only made eye contact with male officers throughout. It was as if he was above the law.

“I kept saying if you listen and calm down you can get legal advice at the police station.

“He was upset, I could understand that, but he wasn’t listening to what I was saying. He was talking over me.”

The 64-year-old made repeated demands to call his solicitor and after making an attempt to reach the telephone, PC Maughan handcuffed him.

However, she only managed to get one cuff on and a struggle ensued.

PC David Michael Chadwick and PC Robert McGurk tussled with the defendant to get the second handcuff on his wrist.

Thomas, who lives in Broomley with his partner of 10 years, 10 cats and two tortoises, described the police as ‘heavy handed’ in their approach.

He claimed that he had wanted to call his solicitor but was ‘jumped’ by all four officers who kneed him in the thigh and stomach.

He said: “I didn’t struggle; I could have put up a lot more of a struggle. If I want to be violent, I could be violent.

“I haven’t used violence against anybody for many years, but I’ve been in prison a long time and I know how to fight.

“The impression I got is that they’re a bit jealous because I’ve won the lottery and I am rich and they don’t like it.”

However giving his verdict, magistrates’ chairman Richard Smith said: “We found the evidence of the police officers compelling and believe their behaviour was appropriate and that you were aggressive and shouting after being arrested.”

Thomas, who has been in custody since his arrest, was sentenced to one day’s detention which he had served in court and was ordered to pay £650 prosecution costs.

When he was known as Iowarth Hoare, he was convicted of attempted rape in 1989. He hit the headlines in 2004 after winning £7.2m on the lottery while on weekend leave from prison.

He was released from imprisonment in 2005, but remained on life licence.