Norfolk: Man Sentenced For Stabbing Police Officer

30 May 2013, 16:44 | Updated: 30 May 2013, 16:48

A 34 year old will serve a 7 year sentence for stabbing a police officer in Newton St Faith.

Roland Frederick Oliver left a student police officer with injuries so severe he needed reconstructive surgery.

Police were called to his home in Fairholme Road last October after reports of shouting and smashing. PC Gareth Kingston, approached the rear of the house, Oliver came out of his back door armed with a knife which had a three inch blade.

Oliver shouted abuse at PC Kingston and attacked him with the knife.

PC Kingston, who had only been in the role for six months, was left with a two and a half inch deep cut to the back of his hand between the knuckles, a cut which nearly went through to his palm and caused tissue and tendon damage which required surgery. He was also off work for five weeks and had to attend hospital on numerous occasions.

Oliver was found guilty of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court today. Oliver must serve a minimum of three and three quarter years in prison.

PC Kingston welcomed the sentencing saying: "This has had a significant impact on my life. The injury left me in constant pain and unable to do every day activities. It has severely restricted my student officer training and left me unable to understand why someone would attack me when I was simply trying to check they were ok. Every time I look at my hand I am reminded of this extremely traumatic experience."

Chief Superintendent Nick Dean, who heads up the County Policing Command said: "PC Kingston tried to defend himself when confronted by a man who appeared out of control and wielding knife.

"This incident again shows the spontaneous, unpredictable nature of policing and we cannot underestimate what any officer might face on any day."