Knife Attack on Nottingham Cop Ends in Jail
Kai Green, 18, brutally stabbed Sergeant Daniel Griffin in North Sherwood Street, Nottingham, on 25 April 2022. The attack left Sgt Griffin seriously injured and fearing for his life.
Jury Clears Green of Murder but Convicts Him of Wounding
Green appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on 13 December 2022. He had already pleaded guilty to wounding with intent. After a four-day trial in October, a jury found him not guilty of attempted murder. The court saw bodycam and phone footage of the shocking attack.
Sgt Griffin and a colleague stopped Green and another man on suspicion of smoking cannabis. When police tried to search Green, he pulled a knife and launched a vicious attack. The officer was stabbed in the leg and chest but his stab vest saved him from a fatal injury. Sgt Griffin sprayed Green with PAVA spray, allowing his colleague to restrain Green until backup arrived.
Sgt Griffin’s Harrowing Account and Aftermath
“Little did I know that on that day this could easily have been the last time I would have hugged and kissed my family,” Sgt Griffin said in a statement read to the court. “I remembered lying on the floor… I thought my life was ending. All I wanted was my family. I honestly thought I was going to die.”
Sgt Griffin spent time in a major trauma ward and has endured ongoing pain and discomfort. The attack forced him to take months off work and made him question his future as a police officer. After “soul searching,” he decided to return but admitted: “I won’t be the same again.”
A police constable witness also told the court she had suffered sleepless nights since the attack.
Green Sentenced to Eight Years for Knife Attack
Green was sentenced to eight years in total: five years in custody (serving two-thirds) followed by three years on licence. He also received a concurrent nine-month sentence for possessing a bladed article in public.
Mr Justice Charles Bourne KC branded Green a “dangerous” man for his “unprovoked and ferocious” attack on a police officer. “Stabbing a police officer strikes at the heart of our society and the protections we rely on to keep us safe,” the judge said.
The judge praised Sgt Griffin’s courage and noted that his colleague who witnessed the stabbing had also returned to frontline policing.
Police Praise Sgt Griffin and Urge Community Support
Detective Inspector Ruby Burrow of Nottinghamshire Police said: “If Sgt Griffin hadn’t been wearing his stab vest, this could have been a killing. His return to duty despite pain is a testament to his dedication.”
She added, “Green is a very dangerous man and this conviction sends a clear message: assaults on officers will not be tolerated.”
Superintendent Kathryn Craner, knife crime lead, warned, “Knife attacks always carry a risk of fatal consequences. We’re committed to stamping out knife crime.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. In emergencies, always dial 999.
