Two Men Sentenced for Assaulting Police Officers in Warwick Court
On 2 May, two men were sentenced at Warwick Crown Court for offenses that included assaulting police officers and other criminal activities.
Ryan Knights Sentenced for Assaulting Officers and Escaping Custody
Ryan Knights, 27, from no fixed abode, was sentenced to nine months in prison after being convicted on charges that included possession of PAVA spray, two counts of assaulting a police officer, escaping lawful custody, and assault by beating. Knights, who was under arrest for an unrelated matter on 29 February, tried to flee while being conveyed to George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton.
During his escape attempt, Knights grabbed an officer’s PAVA spray and used it on two officers who were trying to restrain him. Two hospital staff members also tried to intervene and were sprayed by Knights. In addition to his prison sentence, Knights was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187.
Anthony Wilde Sentenced for Assaulting Officers and Driving Offenses
Anthony Wilde, 34, from Stratford Avenue, Atherstone, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, driving without insurance, and failing to provide a specimen for a breathalyzer test. Wilde also faced penalties that included eight points on his license, a 15-month driving ban, and a victim’s surcharge of £228.
Wilde’s offenses occurred on the night of 9-10 March, when officers spotted a blue Skoda hatchback speeding. After pulling the vehicle over, Wilde became confrontational and punched one of the officers. He continued to struggle with the police, throwing punches and lashing out at the officers. Despite his attempts to resist, Wilde was PAVA sprayed, restrained, and arrested after further officers arrived.
Support for Officers Attacked in the Line of Duty
Chief Constable Debra Tedds expressed strong condemnation of the attacks on officers, saying, “It is completely unacceptable for our officers to be attacked like this while carrying out their duties to keep the public safe.” She also emphasized the importance of supporting officers who face such attacks while performing their responsibilities.
The sentences for both Knights and Wilde reflect the seriousness with which law enforcement and the justice system treat assaults on police officers while they are on duty.
