Drunk yob battered policeman in ‘vicious, extended and chronic’ assault’
Richard Nodwell, 37, left PC Nathan Attwell bleeding heavily from his face following the “vicious, prolonged and persistent” attack during an attempted arrest
A boozed-up yob unleashed a savage attack on a cop, pummelling him with punches until he was knocked out. The beating was so severe that it left the officer with a shattered eye socket and busted nose.
Richard Nodwell, aged 37, laid into PC Nathan Attwell with a ferocity described as “vicious, prolonged and persistent”, leaving the copper gushing blood from his face during what was supposed to be a routine collar. As the poor officer tried regaining his bearings, members of the public rushed over to aid him, only to find he was dazed and confused.
The incident was recounted at Cardiff Crown Court this week, where it was heard how police had been called by the defendant’s daughter on December 20 last year after he had tried to gain entry to her house and had smashed a glass pane in her door.
PC Attwell was dispatched to Cwmbran to look for Nodwell, who was discovered near the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. As the officer attemped to calm the man, Nodwell was heard shouting “Get your hands off me”, reports Wales Online.
Prosecutor Gareth James described the harrowing incident, saying: “The defendant unleashed a vicious, prolonged and persistent attack on PC Attwell, punching him numerous times, which caused him to fall to the floor. He continued to punch and kick PC Attwell on the floor before shouting ‘F*** you motherf*****’ before leaving the scene. PC Attwell was unconscious and was left dizzy and disorientated.”
In court, jaw-dropping footage from the victim’s body-worn camera was shown, capturing the moment PC Attwell was tended to by passers-by as blood from his injuries dripped onto a wall while he attempted to regain his bearings.
The assailant fled the scene but was later apprehended by PC O’Connor. However, Nodwell remained belligerent and uncooperative. This led PC O’Connor to draw his taser and aim it at the defendant, who only surrendered, turning around with his hands behind his back, after being “red dotted”.
Despite being arrested, Nodwell’s fury did not subside; he lashed out again, spitting at PC Gibbs and biting PC O’Connor on the shin. This prompted the officers to put a spit hood on him.
During sentencing, Judge Hywel James condemned the attack on PC Attwell, who was simply performing his duties and safeguarding the public. Nodwell received a sentence of six years and four months in prison, with an additional three-year extended licence period.
He must serve two-thirds of the jail term before being eligible for parole consideration.
Post-trial, CPS heavy-hitter Ryan Randall was appalled, stating: “This is one of the most shocking attacks on a police officer I have seen. Nodwell carried out this sickening act of violence on a uniformed officer conducting his lawful duties, showing a complete disregard for his authority.
“Any assault or abuse of an emergency worker is viewed extremely seriously by the CPS. Emergency workers are there to help the public and should be able to do so safely and without fear. We will continue to work with our partners in the criminal justice system, using the full weight of the law, to protect emergency workers.”
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