Knife-wielding man jailed after attacking police officer

Police were called to an address in Newton Aycliffe in the early hours of January 28 following reports of a man attacking a woman with a large hunting style knife.

 

Armed officers attended the home and asked the suspect, David Eldrett to come out of the property.

 

He approached the front door with the knife and then quickly ran back inside, locking the door behind, before closing the curtains and turning the lights off.

 

The team were then forced to make an emergency entrance and once inside Eldrett struck one of the officers in the leg with a knife.

 

The officer looked down and noticed blood pouring from his leg, he quickly withdrew and made his way outside where colleagues were able to swiftly provide medical treatment.

 

Eldrett, 54 of Kestrel Court was arrested at the scene and charged by South Durham Safeguarding team with threats to kill, wounding with intent and assault.

 

He appeared at Durham Crown court today (August 29) where he was sentenced to six years in prison.

 

After taking some time off to recover, the officer came back on restricted duties for three weeks but is now back to his regular role.

 

Superintendent Andrea Arthur, Head of Durham’s Roads and Armed policing unit said: “Sustaining a serious injury whilst protecting the public, is not ‘part of the job’ of a police officer.

 

“We absolutely will not tolerate assaults on our officers, and we will take robust action against those like Eldrett.”