A Cwmbran man has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after a “vicious, prolonged and persistent” attack left a police officer with a fractured eye socket and nose. 👮♂️⚖️
Richard Nodwell, 37, of Greenwillows, Oakfield, Cwmbran, was sentenced to six years and four months imprisonment with an extended licence period of three years after brutally assaulting PC Nathan Attwell in December last year.
Cardiff Crown Court heard that police were called by Nodwell’s daughter after he tried to gain entry to her house and smashed a glass pane in her door. When PC Attwell located Nodwell near the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, the defendant became extremely aggressive.
Shocking bodycam footage played in court showed PC Attwell bleeding heavily after being repeatedly punched and kicked until he was unconscious. Members of the public approached the disorientated officer as he tried to get to his feet.
After fleeing the scene, Nodwell was later apprehended but continued his aggressive behaviour, spitting at one officer and biting another on the shin.
In his victim impact statement, PC Attwell said: “During my five years of service, I have never been subjected to such violence. It’s a regular occurrence I’ve had to attend calls on my own but I did not feel scared or worried… I remember thuds hitting me and one almighty thud at the end. I didn’t understand the entire impact following the incident.”
The officer has not yet returned to frontline duties and has accepted a new role as a police trainer. “The incident made me feel worried and apprehensive about returning to normal duties which I am devastated about,” he added.
Ryan Randall of the Crown Prosecution Service stated: “This is one of the most shocking attacks on a police officer I have seen. Nodwell carried out this sickening act of violence on a uniformed officer conducting his lawful duties, showing a complete disregard for his authority.”
