Horrific Attack on Cops Leaving Two Officers Fighting for Their Lives
Police officers Geoff Hill and Karl Odgers never expected their night shift to end in hospital beds. But that’s exactly what happened after a brutal assault during a domestic incident in Aldershot on Tuesday 7 February.
Man Stamps on Officers’ Heads in Savage Attack
Simon Priest, 41, of Pegasus Avenue, unleashed a vicious assault on the two response officers. He punched them relentlessly and stamped repeatedly on their heads. The savage attack left PC Odgers with a fractured skull and a brain bleed, requiring emergency surgery in London. He spent two weeks at St George’s Hospital and was off work for two months.
PC Hill also suffered grave injuries, with clear footwear marks on his head from Priest’s brutal stomping. Thankfully, both officers have now returned to full duty.
Life Sentence for ‘Sickening’ Attack on Police
Today, Priest was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to five offences, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Olivia Pinkney, Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, slammed the attack: “Each and every assault on an officer is unacceptable. Karl and Geoff were responding to a cry for help from a woman and her child when they were attacked in the most appalling manner.”
She added: “Our job always carries risks, but what happened that night was truly exceptional. We’ll keep providing the best welfare and support for our officers who run towards danger, not away from it.”
Police Federation Chairman: “The Worst Attack I’ve Seen”
John Apter, chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation, described the assault as “vicious and sustained” and “the worst I have seen in 24 years of policing.”
“Only swift medical care saved these officers from death,” he said. “The support from the police family and public has been overwhelming. Though today’s sentence can never fully compensate, I hope Priest spends a very long time behind bars.”
This shocking attack is a stark reminder: assaulting police officers will never be tolerated. Share their story and stand with the brave men and women who keep us safe.
