Man jailed for injuring police officer with knife

Police were responding to reports Glynn Leedell had been acting aggressively towards a woman

A man who slashed a police officer with a knife during an incident in Rotherham has been jailed.

Glynn Leedell violently charged at the officer who, along with colleagues, was responding to reports of threatening behaviour at Kimberworth Park in July.

The 46-year-old caused a slash wound to the back of the officer's neck which required hospital treatment. A second officer received injuries to his hand.

Appearing at Sheffield Crown Court on 29 August, Leedell, of Binders Road, was jailed for four years and six months after previously pleading guilty to wounding with intent. Two further charges of harassment and assault of an emergency worker will remain on file.

South Yorkshire Police said officers had attended Kimberworth Park after receiving multiple reports Leedell had been acting aggressively and making threats towards a woman.

The officers managed to restrain him and remove the knife from his possession despite being injured.

Ch Sup Andy Wright said: "This was a disgraceful act of violence which could have had devastating consequences.

"I am thankful that the officers concerned did not suffer more serious injuries from this vicious attack. I would like to commend both officers' bravery during this incident."

He said Leedell not only injured the officers but "subjected an innocent woman to threats and abuse".

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