Judge praises bravery of police officer who was stabbed as he 'put his life on the line' during disturbance at house in Armley

Joe Lynch caused the injury as he lunged at the officer with a knife during the incident at his mum's home in Armley.

Leeds Crown Court was shown body camera footage of the attack which took place on April 6 this year.

Carmel Pearson, prosecuting, said Lynch's younger brother called police to report that the defendant was being aggressive towards their mother.

He also told the operator that Lynch had gone into Armley armed with a knife the previous day.

Lynch's mother then told the operator that Lynch had armed himself with a bat and had threatened to use it to attack any officer who went to the property.

Two officers went to the house on Mistress Lane but Lynch refused to give himself up despite having tasers pointed at him.

The footage showed Lynch run forward and attack one of the officers with the knife before retreating back into the property.

More officers attended the incident but Lynch refused to put his weapons down.

He was eventually detained and arrested.

Ms Pearson said the officer suffered a cut to his hand but avoided serious injury.

Lynch, of Elford Grove, Harehills, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and making threats to kill.

Craig Sutcliffe, mitigating, said Lynch pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage and had been diagnosed as suffering from a mental health disorder.

Recorder Tom Little QC jailed Lynch for two years.

He said: "If that stab wound had been a couple of inches in a different direction it could have had very serious consequences for the officer who was stabbed.

"You had armed yourself with two significant weapons.

"You present a danger to the public. Appropriate punishment cannot be achieved by a suspended sentence order.

"In this case there is not, in my judgement, a prospect of rehabilitation."

After sentencing Lynch, Recorder Little praised the two officers, who were present in court for the hearing.

He said: "There has been much publicity in the last few days and months that is adverse to the police, although most of it relates to the Metropolitan Police, not West Yorkshire Police.

"On this day you put your lives on the line, and for that you were extremely brave.

"You have this court's and my personal commendation for your bravery.

"Without people like you putting their lives on the line, other lives get put at risk."