Aldershot Man Jailed for Life After Brutal Attack on Two Police Officers
When police officers put on their uniform, they don’t expect to end their shift in hospital. But that nightmare became reality for response officers Geoff Hill and Karl Odgers after a violent assault in Aldershot on 7 February.
Vicious Attack at Domestic Incident
Simon Priest, 41, of Pegasus Avenue, launched a savage attack on the two officers while they were responding to a domestic call. He punched them repeatedly and stamped on their heads.
PC Karl Odgers suffered the worst injuries. He was rushed to St George’s Hospital in London with a fractured skull and brain bleed. Two weeks of specialist treatment followed, and he only returned to full duty two months later.
PC Geoff Hill bore clear footwear marks on his head from the assault but has since recovered and returned to work.
Life Sentence for Simon Priest
Today, Priest was handed a life sentence after pleading guilty to five offences, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
“Each and every assault on an officer is unacceptable,” said Olivia Pinkney, Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary. “Karl and Geoff were responding to a cry for help by a woman and her child when they were attacked in the most appalling manner. Our job carries risk, but what happened that night was truly exceptional.” “We will continue to provide the best welfare and support to our officers, who often face danger head-on.”
Police Federation Condemns ‘Sickening’ Attack
John Apter, chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, said: “This was a vicious and sustained attack on two officers doing their duty. The level of violence was sickening — the worst I’ve seen in 24 years of policing.” “It was only due to swift medical care that this attack didn’t end in death.” “The overwhelming support from the police family and public has meant a lot to Karl, Geoff, and their families.” “Today’s sentence will never be enough. I hope every day Simon Priest spends behind bars is a long one.”
Assaulting police officers will not be tolerated. This brutal attack shows the dangers our frontline heroes face every day — and the tough consequences for those who cross the line.
