A man stabbed a police officer at a BBC Radio 2 festival. He was found guilty of attempted murder and weapon possession.
Smith, age 54, stabbed the officer in the neck while the officer was talking to festival attendees. Sting had performed at Moor Park earlier. Smith came up from behind around 9:30 pm. Smith hid a kitchen knife in his pocket.
He followed the officer outside the station and stared at the officer with his hand on the knife. The officer then walked into the station, at which point Smith pulled the knife out. Smith ran towards the officer and stabbed him in the back of the neck. The officer fell due to the stabbing.
As he crawled away, Smith moved towards him. Another officer ran over after hearing screams and sprayed Smith with PAVA. Smith dropped the knife because of this, and officers handcuffed him and took Smith into custody. He smeared faeces on the cell walls and threatened more officers violently, asking if the victim died.
A court found Smith guilty last week of attempted murder and weapon possession. His sentencing will occur on April 14th. The victim had a puncture wound to his thoracic spine. The police reported luck prevented worse harm. A police chief called the attack shocking, calculated, and violent.
The officer returned to his duties and still dedicates care to public safety. The police chief stated officers deserve safety as they protect the public without pay. He said justice was served, and the officer continues to fulfill his role, keeping the railway safe.