Cleveland Police Federation hits out at prison sentence given to a man who cut a police officer’s throat

13 January 2022

Cleveland Police Federation has hit out at the prison sentence given to a man who cut a police officer’s throat.

Aaron Gray admitted violently assaulting a PC in Middlesbrough last year.

The officer had been making an arrest on Athol Street on 19 June when 31-year-old Gray punched him and pinned him down, before cutting his throat.

The officer suffered a four-inch slash to his throat during the attack which was aided by two other men.

Gray fled from the area and an urgent manhunt followed, with the suspect being arrested in Newcastle on 23 June.

He was charged that night with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and with possession of an offensive weapon. Gray initially pleaded not guilty and was remanded to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Monday this week (10 January), where he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to five years behind bars yesterday.

Gray also admitted two other offences; possession of a Class a drug and possession of an offensive weapon from an earlier incident on May 12 when he was caught selling crack cocaine on Peel Street in Middlesbrough.

Gray was carrying a Samurai sword with a 60cm blade at the time of his arrest.

Richie Murray, Secretary of Cleveland Police Federation, said: “Our members put on their uniforms and police the streets every day. They should never have to face such horrific acts of sheer violence.

“I welcome the fact a conviction was handed out at court. However I fear that the sentence is not enough. A much longer sentence would have sent out a greater message, not just to Cleveland but the rest of the country.”

Cleveland Police’s Head of Crime John Bent said: “Our officers and staff work tirelessly to keep our communities safe – often in very challenging circumstances - and any form of assault against them will simply never ever be tolerated.

“The officer received immediate and on-going welfare and wellbeing support from the force and thankfully he has made a full recovery from what must have been a very traumatic experience.

“Gray has already spent months on remand and he will now spend a further lengthy period in prison where he will have time to reflect on his actions and their consequences.”