St Neots: Man Jailed For Stabbing PC

14 February 2012, 14:45 | Updated: 14 February 2012, 15:05

A man who stabbed a police officer with a pair of scissors in St Neots has been jailed.

42 year old Craig Goddard [pictured - right], who is from Surrey Street in Huntingdon, attacked the traffic PC after being caught stealing from Marks & Spencer on the 14th July last year.

Staff in the shop alerted PC Leigh Fenton, who was passing the store at the time.

However when the PC approached him, Goddard pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed him in the head.

A PCSO and member of store staff spotted the struggle and came to the PC's aid.

Goddard was then arrested and the officer was taken to hospital.

Goddard denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent but was convicted following a trial at Huntingdon Crown Court.

Today (Tuesday) he was jailed for eight years at Norwich Crown Court.

Detective Constable Martin Brocklebank said: "Goddard armed himself with a weapon and was prepared to use it on anyone who tried to stop him stealing from the store. 

This sort of attack demonstrates the dangers that every officer faces in their day to day work.

Leigh showed great courage and determination to defend himself during the attack and ensure Goddard was arrested. 

It is only down to sheer luck that the officer did not suffer more serious injuries

Despite the injury and the shock of the attack, he returned to work the following day."