Police footage shows 'intoxicated' man trying to stab officer

Police have released "harrowing" footage of the moment a man armed with two large kitchen knives attempted to stab a police officer despite having been Tasered.

Gwent Police said Tony Buttigieg, 36, appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, captured on officers' bodyworn cameras on October 2 last year.

Buttigieg was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday to four years in prison for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Pc Rhydian Jones.

The force said the footage was a reminder of "the risks officers face every day".

In a statement, Gwent Police said officers were called to a report of a man banging doors in the hallway of flats in Caerleon, near Newport.

When officers arrived they identified the man as Buttigieg and found him to be in possession of two knives.

The statement said two local officers contained the man until trained officers carrying Tasers arrived, at which point the bodyworn video was activated and negotiations were attempted.

"Tony Buttigieg clearly appeared to be under the influence of either alcohol or some other intoxicating substance and was waving the knives around, making threats to harm himself and the officers," it said.

"Despite officers' negotiations, he tried to gain entry to another flat and then began to push the knife into his stomach area in a self-harm action."

Police said a Taser was discharged but did not incapacitate Buttigieg, who began to "lash out" and attempted to stab Pc Jones on "at least three occasions" before being overpowered by officers and having the knives taken from him.

Buttigieg was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm at a hearing in February.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wilkie, who led the investigation, said: "Gwent Police take incidents like this very seriously.

"Luckily, the outcome wasn't fatal but nonetheless it was traumatic for all those involved.

"Tony Buttigieg acted with blatant disregard for both the public and attending officers, which is totally unacceptable."

In March, Pc Jones, Pc Gareth Marsh and Pc Ashley Cotton received a Chief Constable's Commendation for their bravery in responding to the incident.

Mr Wilkie said they showed "exceptional professionalism" and had courageously protected the public from possible harm.

He added: "The bodyworn video footage is particularly harrowing to watch and reminds us of the risks officers face every day, when officers are simply carrying out their duty."