Man Jailed for Brutal 40 Punch Head Attack on Police Officer
A violent thug landed behind bars after landing about 40 punches to a police officer’s head during a struggle on a routine traffic stop in Darlington.
Violent Rampage During Traffic Stop
PCs Peart and Duncan were on patrol on Sunday, July 12, when they pulled over a vehicle on Willow Road driven by 41-year-old Karl Wilson. The driver had no licence or insurance.
Wilson exploded in violence when officers tried to restrain him, relentlessly punching PC Peart around 40 times in the back of the head while wearing a gold sovereign ring. He also struck PC Duncan twice in the head.
Heroic Bystander Steps In
A brave dog walker nearby stepped up to help, grabbing Wilson’s arm to stop the assault and even used one of the officer’s radios to call for backup. Reinforcements arrived and finally detained the attacker.
Drugs, Cash & Charges
Police searched Wilson’s car and found around half a kilogram of heroin and £2,500 in cash. He was hit with nine charges, including two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), two counts of possession with intent to supply heroin, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.
Wilson pleaded guilty to all charges at Teesside Crown Court on August 20. The judge sentenced him to seven years behind bars and banned him from driving for six and a half years.
Officers Recover and Return to Duty
The injured officers were treated in hospital but returned to work the very next day. Chief Inspector Steve Ball of Durham Constabulary slammed the attack:
“An attack on a police officer is unacceptable at any time, but especially appalling when they have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to keep people safe. Our officers risk their lives daily and deserve to return home safely.”
“We’re proud of the dedication shown by these two relatively new officers after a traumatic attack. We also thank the brave member of the public who put their safety on the line to help.”
“This sentence sends a clear message: assaults on police won’t be tolerated.”
