Eastbourne thug jailed for stabbing cop in savage attack
Paul Cunningham, 43, from Eastbourne, has been locked up after viciously stabbing a police officer last summer. The unemployed man, living on Pevensey Road, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday 26 May. He pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assaulting an emergency worker, and possessing an offensive weapon in public.
Police officer stabbed in the leg after a routine call
In the early hours of Monday, 14 September, officers were called to an incident on Terminus Road. After handling the situation, they were about to leave when Cunningham suddenly approached the scene. As the officers tried to engage with him, PC Richard Bligh was stabbed in the leg.
Despite the injury, PC Bligh managed to drag himself away and give himself first aid. Two other officers, both with less than two years of service, tackled Cunningham and held him until reinforcements arrived.
Chief Constable praises quick thinking officers
“The events overnight starkly demonstrate the risk that all police officers and frontline staff face every day whilst performing their duties to protect the public,” said Chief Constable Jo Shiner.
“It is thanks to comprehensive training and the fast-thinking of those at the scene that I am not reporting something far more serious today. The injured officer was able to move away and self-administer medical intervention whilst his two junior colleagues – both just 15 months into their policing careers – apprehended the suspect. The actions of all three officers, as well as colleagues who swiftly came to their aid, are to be commended.”
Seven-and-a-half years inside with extended licence
Cunningham appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on the same day of the stabbing and was remanded for trial. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to seven years and six months for the stabbing charge. He must also serve an additional five years on extended licence.
The sentences for assaulting an emergency worker and possession of an offensive weapon run concurrently for 12 months.
Inspector praises bravery and professionalism
Eastbourne police Inspector Steve Shimmons said:
“This incident highlights the very real risks that our officers face every time they enter the communities they serve. This was a vicious and targeted assault on PC Richard Bligh simply because he was a police officer.
“Initially, Cunningham appeared to need help and PC Bligh responded. But as he stepped out of his patrol car, Cunningham attacked him without warning, causing severe injury.
“Thankfully, Richard has recovered physically, but the trauma has left a lasting impact on him and his family, as well as his police colleagues. Every officer deserves to come home safe at the end of their shift.
“It’s a credit to Richard’s dedication that he remains committed to serving the community after 17 years. I’m proud of how all our officers handled that night, their support for Richard, and the professionalism they showed in bringing Cunningham to justice. These brave officers continue to put themselves at risk every day to protect us all.”
