Man jailed for attack that left Nottinghamshire PC's skull exposed

A man has been jailed after he struck a police officer on the back of the head with a "highly dangerous weapon", which left his skull exposed.

PC Chris Duffy was apprehending Mason Perkins's brother in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, on 11 March when he was hit by Perkins.

The court heard that after the officer fell to the floor, Perkins then also "pummelled" his face and body.

At Nottingham Crown Court, Perkins was handed an 11-and-a-half year sentence.

Warning: A distressing image of PC Duffy's injuries is below

PC Duffy, a police dog handler, sustained a "blow to the head with a relatively heavy object with an edge like a machete, saw or axe", the court heard on Friday.

The officer's injury was described by a forensic pathologist as a "chop wound".

PC Duffy - who now has a scar from one side of his head to the other - is back on duty.

Following an argument at Sunnydale pub, in Mansfield Woodhouse, where Perkins was barred, PC Duffy apprehended Perkins' brother in an alleyway.

The court heard Perkins, 25, entered the alleyway and politely asked the officer if he could pass.

PC Duffy, believing Perkins was an innocent member of the public, moved to allow him to walk behind.

The officer then felt his head being "violently jolted" and was thrown to the floor.

Perkins next punched and kicked PC Duffy on both sides of the body and face.

As the officer got to his feet, Perkins escaped.

About 15 minutes later, when PC Duffy was walking back to his car, he spotted Perkins and other officers gave chase and he was arrested.

Perkins, of Moor Street, Mansfield, was found with cannabis, scales, and a cannabis grinder on him.

Judge Nirmal Shant KC described the officer's injuries as "grave".

She said: "You struck the officer when he was not facing you.

"You struck him in a way that jolted him violently on the floor.

"You hit him and punched him and kicked him and bent over him, pummelling him to the side of the face, to the body, then making good your escape."

The judge added the attack had a "profound effect" on PC Duffy, saying it had not only left him with physical injuries but psychological injuries too.

Perkins had previously admitted grievous bodily harm, supplying cannabis, and offering to supply a Class A drug.

Det Sgt Matthew Dumbrell described the attack as "utterly shocking" and said the officer was "fortunate to avoid more serious injuries".

He said: "I am pleased Perkins will now spend a very considerable length of time in jail, and hope this sentence serves as a warning to others about the consequences of attacking our officers.

"I would also like to place on record my admiration for the officer involved, who in the moments before, during, and after this attack demonstrated so many of the qualities we expect from front-line police officers."

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