Knife-wielding man jailed after wild rampage and assault on police officer
A man has been locked up for 18 months after waving knives around in public and attacking a police officer. Robert Luff, 49, went on a bizarre late-night rampage in Canterbury on Friday, 27 July 2018.
Late-night drama as man steals knives from neighbour
At around 10pm, Luff knocked on a neighbour’s door demanding a hammer, claiming people in his home were under attack. When told there was no hammer, he grabbed two knives from their kitchen drawer instead. Stirred up and drunk, he then headed to a nearby house, banging on their back window.
Police called after erratic man threatens neighbours
Luff asked the residents to call the police before standing in their garden still clutching the blades. Officers arrived to find him shouting and acting aggressively, insisting someone was being attacked — but there was no sign of trouble inside.
Assault on officer lands Luff behind bars
During his arrest, Luff pushed a police officer to the ground and kicked her in the leg. The knives were seized, and Luff was taken into custody, unable to explain his violent behaviour. He later pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in public and assaulting a constable.
Sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday, 12 February 2019, Luff now faces 18 months behind bars.
“Thankfully Luff did not use the knives to hurt anyone but that does not make it right that he took them out on the street and scared residents with his erratic behaviour,” said Detective Constable Stephanie Watson.
“Knives are dangerous and anyone found arming themselves with one will be brought to justice.”
