17-year-old sent to prison for stabbing police officer

The boy, who is now 17, was 16 at the time of the incident, was sentenced after being convicted on 10 May of grievous bodily harm with intent.

The youth was jailed for nine years and four months at the Old Bailey on Friday, 20 May, after stabbing a police officer so brutally that he left him with potentially life-threatening injuries. On release, he will be on an extended licence of four years and eight months.

His victim, PC Guy Sinnott from Tower Hamlets, who is near retirement, fortunately made a full recovery after the terrifying incident in which he was rushed to hospital after being knifed in the stomach and leg.

PC Sinnott and a colleague had originally attended reports of anti-social behaviour and a moped being ridden near to flats off Grove Road, Bow at around 23:30hs on the evening of 15 November 2015.

They attempted to search the youth, who struggled to break free to get away from them. The youth then reached inside his bag and pulled out a knife around four inches long, which he slid down the face of PC Sinnott before stabbing him.

PC Sinnott managed to get hold of the knife and throw it a safe distance away as they endeavoured to keep hold of the youth. As more officers rushed to the scene, PC Sinnott looked down and realised he was bleeding. After being taken to hospital in an ambulance, he was immediately given emergency surgery throughout the night. He remained there for a couple of weeks.

The youth was arrested at the scene by other officers and the knife was recovered.

DI Chris Soole from Tower Hamlets borough said:

“This was a serious incident involving a young man who attacked a police officer while he was performing his duties.

“Thankfully PC Sinnott later made a full recovery with the support of colleagues, family and friends.

“I hope that this sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the Met’s commitment to ensuring that the carrying of knives and their use in committing offences in the capital is not tolerated.”

Source: Met Police