Knife thug jailed for attempting to murder police officer

Michael Edward, 45, stabbed PC Craig Bartlett as the officer tried to arrest him as part of a lengthy drug surveillance operation.

PC Bartlett was stabbed twice – once in the hip and another in the shoulder – and doctors said he was lucky to be alive.

One wound penetrated 12cm into his stomach and was described by doctors as “potentially fatal”.

The second another wound plunged half way through his shoulder blade.

Bournemouth Crown Court previously heard the attack happened at 7.55pm on February 21 last year when Edward was under surveillance by a team of plain-clothed police officers, including PC Bartlett.

They suspected him of drug dealing.

Edward had stepped outside his flat in Surrey Road, Bourne-mouth, to carry out a drugs deal when he was approached by PC Barlett who shouted “Stop police”. Edward pulled out a knife and stabbed the officer.

Damage on PC Barlett’s jacket suggested Edward had attempted to stab him a third time.

Edward was convicted of attempted murder by a jury at Bournemouth Crown Court on December 19.

Edward had pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing cocaine with intent to supply after £2,000-worth of cocaine was found in the bush outside his home.

During his trial Edward said he was not aware PC Barlett was a police officer, although evidence was heard from PC Barlett that he shouted “Stop police” twice – something that was supported by a number of other officers at the scene.

Following the stabbing PC Barlett was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

The court heard PC Barlett made a good recovery and returned to operational duties at the beginning of May last year.

But having to relive the ordeal through the trial had serious psychological effects on PC Bartlett and he had to stop work at the beginning of January suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Charlie Gabb, prosecuting, said: “This was all, the Crown say, him trying to kill Mr Bartlett because he was caught absolutely red handed dealing in class A drugs.”

Mr Gabb said Edward had some previous convictions for drug offences and forgery but no convictions for violence.

Mitigating, Jerome Lynch said Edward has expressed “genuine remorse” for the injuries he caused PC Bartlett.

In a letter to his victim, Edward wrote: “I write this letter to you to express my humble apologies for the pain and suffering brought to you and your family for my actions caused while carrying out your job.

“I hope some day you will find it in your heart to forgive my actions because they were purely unintentional. I understand how difficult your job can be.”

Mr Lynch said friends and family described Edward as an “honest, hardworking family person”.

Sentencing Edward, Judge Samuel Wiggs said: “You formed the intention, no doubt, that you would kill him so you could make good your own escape.

“You plunged that large knife deep inside his body.

“At the time, you, as an active drug dealer, were prepared to kill a person who was trying to arrest you. Your sorrow is on benefit of hindsight.”

Speaking after the case, DS Wayne Seymour, of Bournemouth CID, said: “PC Bartlett sustained very serious injuries as a result of the vicious attack by Michael Edward.

“Thankfully he is now back at work, but the consequences could have been far, far worse.

“Clearly, Edward’s actions were entirely reprehensible and we welcome the sentence that was handed down by the judge today.

“This case highlights the dangers of knives and I would like to make it clear that Dorset Police will use the full force of the law to deal with anyone who keeps such items about their person.”