Russell Smith has been sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in prison for attempting to murder a volunteer police officer by stabbing him in the back of the neck at a railway station in Lancashire. Smith, aged 54 and residing on Shakespeare Road in Preston, was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article by a jury at Preston Crown Court on 27 February. He has been sentenced to 27 years in jail.
The victim, a special constable for British Transport Police, was on duty at Preston station during the Radio 2 in the Park festival on the evening of 7 September. Smith approached the officer from behind around 9:30 PM BST while he was engaging with the public, displaying a kitchen knife concealed in his trouser pocket. Following the officer outside the station, Smith stood closely behind him, holding the knife in his pocket.
As the officer re-entered the station, Smith drew the knife from his pocket, lifted it over his head, and charged towards him, stabbing him in the back of the neck and piercing his spine. The officer fell forward due to the force of the attack, and Smith advanced towards him with the knife as the victim attempted to crawl away. A colleague who heard the officer’s cries rushed to assist, causing Smith to retreat.
Smith was subdued using pepper spray by the colleague, causing him to drop the knife, and he was handcuffed by another officer. Following his arrest, Smith remained combative, making threats towards officers and inquiring about the victim’s condition.
Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle expressed hope that the officer, who has since resumed his duties safeguarding the public and railway, can find some closure following the traumatic incident. For more local news, tune in to BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds, and stay updated by following BBC Lancashire on social media platforms.
