Swansea, Wales – A man with a history of violence has been sentenced to prison after viciously assaulting two female police officers, leaving them battered and bruised. Daniel Williams, residing in Swansea, attacked the officers when they responded to a disturbance at his shared accommodation in March. The violent encounter resulted in one of the officers developing sepsis due to blows to her kidneys worsening an existing infection.
Williams has a troubling past, with two assaults causing bodily harm, seven batteries, and two assaults on police officers in his record. During the incident, the defendant resisted the officers’ attempt to enter the property, leading to a physical struggle where he violently kicked the constables. Despite attempts to subdue him, one officer discharged her Taser without effect. Williams then locked himself in the flat’s toilet until backup arrived and he was arrested without further violence.
The assaulted officers suffered bruises to various parts of their bodies, with one of them spending six days in the hospital due to sepsis. The psychological and emotional impact of the assaults were vividly described by the officers in court, emphasizing the fear and anxiety that now haunts their duties. Williams, diagnosed with PTSD and other mental health issues, expressed remorse for his actions in a letter to the court.
Despite his remorse, Judge Paul Thomas KC emphasized the severity of the assaults and the impact on the victims. Given Williams’ violent history and the seriousness of the offenses, the judge deemed immediate custody as the only appropriate sentence. Williams was sentenced to 10 months in prison for each assault, to be served concurrently. He will serve up to half of the sentence before being released on license.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and the consequences for perpetrators of violence against them. It highlights the importance of upholding the safety and well-being of those who serve to protect the community.