Teenager jailed for nine years for stabbing police officer

The officer was attacked on Bunsen Street in Bethnal Green Credit: Google Street View

A 17 year old has been jailed for nine years for stabbing a police officer in the stomach and leg, leaving him in need of life saving surgery.

The teenager, who was 16 at the time of the attack, knifed PC Guy Sinnott repeatedly after the officer had tried to search him. PC Sinnott and a colleague had originally been called to a block of flats on Bunsen Street following reports of a scooter being revved up and driven outside.

In the attack, which took place last November, the teenager used a four inch blade which he pulled out from his bag as the officers were trying to restrain him. He cut PC Sinnott's face with the blade before stabbing him twice. PC Sinnott managed to grab the blade and throw it away from them, keeping hold of the teenager until backup arrived and arrested him.

The officer was then rushed to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel where he was given emergency surgery throughout the night. He then stayed in hospital for two weeks to recover.

The teenager was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent, and sentenced at the Old Bailey yesterday to nine years in jail, with another four and a half years on extended licence until he is 30.