Bristol man jailed after filming 'cowardly attack' on two police officers

A man who filmed himself assaulting two police officers in Bristol has been jailed for three and a half years.

Martin Williams pleaded guilty to wounding PC Andrew Gilbert with intent to resist the arrest of another, assaulting emergency worker PC Matthew Williams, and to damaging property.

The 28-year-old filmed the incident on 26 September 2019 before posting it on Facebook.

It follows an incident in the Padstow Road area of the city in which Williams, of The Groves in Bristol, assaulted the two police officers.

One of those involved was punched in the face and required 14 stitches to his lip as well as a swollen, bruised eye. The office might still require further surgery to a cut on his face.

PC Andrew Gilbert was injured in the assault. Credit: Avon and Somerset Police

In sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Avon and Somerset Chief Constable described the incident as a "cowardly attack".

The assault is one of more than a thousand on police officers in the force over the past 10 months.

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