A 42-year-old man received a 20-month prison sentence for assaulting a police officer by smashing his face with a brick during a routine electric bike inspection in Lancaster.
Details of the Assault
On November 22, 2023, a Lancaster-based constable spotted George Jacob and another individual with an electric motorbike, raising suspicions. The officer approached to inquire about the bike and seized it. Jacob reacted aggressively, shouting at the married father-of-one, pushing him, and fleeing the scene.
As the constable returned to his patrol car to complete paperwork, Jacob smashed the vehicle window and struck the officer in the face with a brick. The officer immediately activated his emergency button, prompting colleagues to respond swiftly.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
Lancashire Police reported that the officer sustained a severe concussion, two chipped teeth, a facial cut, and shards of glass embedded in his face from the shattered window. Following the incident, Jacob faced arrest and charges of wounding with intent, criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Preston Crown Court heard the case, where Jacob, who has no fixed address, admitted to wounding, assaulting a police officer, and criminal damage. The judge imposed a 20-month jail term.
Detective Inspector Adie Knowles of Lancaster CID stated: “No one should go to work expecting assault, yet this officer faced it while performing his duties. Officers should not fear injury for protecting the public. While I refrain from commenting on the sentence, the officer and I emphasize that such acts are unacceptable criminal behavior, not ‘just part of the job,’ and will not be tolerated.”
Officer’s Impact Statement
In his victim personal statement, the officer, who has served nearly seven years, shared: “I love my job and excel at it, but this incident prompted me to reassess my career. I aim to help people, safeguard victims, and remove offenders from streets, yet when my safety—and ability to support my wife and daughter—is threatened by such cowardice, it feels unworthy.”
He added: “I resent the defendant for not recognizing me as a friend, husband, and father beyond my uniform. Instead, he threw a brick and fled, evading consequences despite knowing the harm it would cause, prioritizing himself.”
The officer made a swift recovery and returned to duty on Lancashire streets.
