Man jailed for 'abhorrent' assault on woman and police

Daniel O'Sullivan assaulted a woman and then ran into nearby woods, injuring the officers who ran after him

A man who carried out an "abhorrent" assault on a woman and attacked multiple police officers has been jailed for 27 months.

Daniel O'Sullivan, 35, fled his home in Greenacres Mobile Park, Semington, Wiltshire, on 5 June carrying knives, after police were called to check on the welfare of a woman in her 30s.

When O'Sullivan was caught in the woods bordering the A350, he kicked an officer, attempted to headbutt another, before continuing to threaten and physically assault officers in custody. He admitted all the offences.

As well as the prison sentence, O'Sullivan was ordered to pay a £228 surcharge and given a restraining order during the sentencing at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday.

While being taken to custody in Melksham, O'Sullivan headbutted and spat at police officers multiple times.

He injured a third officer in custody by punching them and causing a split lip, while a fourth officer was left needing hospital treatment after being assaulted.

O'Sullivan was subsequently charged with assault by beating, threatening a person with a knife and four counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Local crime investigator Michael Griffiths said: "O'Sullivan's actions were abhorrent.

"No officers should have to face the violence that O'Sullivan subjected them to while simply going about their daily duties," he said.

"Any assault on our workforce is a criminal offence and we will always look to put those responsible before our courts."