Robber Jailed Over Horsham Police Attack

31 October 2018, 12:31

A man who dragged a police officer from a patrol car and threw her to the ground in Horsham is starting a 14 year jail sentence.

The 29-year-old was ransacking a Tesco Express when it happened back in July.

The CCTV footage has been described as 'harrowing'.

Owen Smith was handed the sentence at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday.

The unemployed 29-year-old, of no fixed address, previously admitted assault by beating a police constable, possession of a baseball bat as an offensive weapon, robbery and taking a police vehicle without consent.

Detective Chief Inspector Justina Beeken said: "Watching the CCTV of Owen Smith attacking our officers is absolutely harrowing, not least due to the ferocity of the attack, and I commend the officers' bravery and commitment that evening in arresting him.

"No officer should be attacked while doing their job and I am thankful that no officers were more seriously hurt."

She also commended the members of the public who tried to help "without a moment's thought for their own safety" and Tesco staff members who were threatened at work.