Man sentenced to hospital order after brutal attacks on GMP officers

Jacob Brown (13/12/1996) of Wood Road, Whalley Range has today (Friday 19 April 2024) been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order until he is deemed safe and stable for release, for one count of attempted murder and three counts of wounding with intent. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

This comes after Brown launched an unprovoked and violent attack on two GMP police officers as they responded to a road traffic collision, just moments from his home address, on Wednesday 26 July 2023.

Brown, wearing all black clothing with his hood tightly tied around his face approached the responding sergeants, PS Ansell and PS Foster, from behind, immediately and without warning attacking PS Foster, striking him to the head and neck. PS Foster quickly realised Brown also had a knife which he was aiming at his neck. PS Ansell began grappling with Brown, trying to stop the attacks on his colleague, but too was struck several times in the neck and upper body.

PC Wolstencroft, who had also been at the scene to respond to the collision, instinctively reacted, discharging his taser at Brown, which allowed for his arrest.

As PS Ansell walked back over to his police car, it was then he noticed he was bleeding and had a serious stab wound to his neck. PS Foster, who he had bravely stopped from being attacked moments earlier, immediately placed his hand over the wound and stayed with him for reassurance before he was quickly rushed to hospital by paramedics. Thankfully this wound narrowly missed his vital arteries.

The incident is described to have only lasted approximately 15 – 30 seconds.

All three officers were honoured with the Bravery Award at the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards in October 2023, for their immense courage in protecting each other, arresting the suspect, and preventing any harm to members of the public. The officers spoke of how they had never been assaulted like this before in their careers, particularly in such an unexpected and serious way. They were subsequently awarded the John Egerton Bravery Award by GMP’s Police Federation earlier this month.

Jacob Brown was remanded into custody following his arrest, however his reign of terror continued.

On Thursday 10 August 2023, it was reported that Brown had stabbed a staff member who was giving an induction at HMP Liverpool. Brown armed himself with a sharp object before attacking the victim, who is a male aged in his 50s, causing cuts to his ear and head.

Following this, on Friday 1 September 2023, Brown attacked a prison guard and stabbed him in the neck with a sharp object.

As a result, Brown was charged once again, totalling four charges. Her Honour Judge Baxter noted Brown’s decision to plea as ‘sensible given the level of injuries’.

Detective Inspector Kelly of City of Manchester South’s CID, led the GMP investigation; “Jacob Brown is considered to be a dangerous and violent man, as also marked by the Judge.

“There appeared to be no clear motive for these attacks – officers were taken completely by surprise and only their quick reactions stopped the outcome from being fatal.

“The prospect of violence towards police officers is a daily threat and won’t be tolerated.

“I am glad that our swift and thorough investigation has resulted in Brown being held to account for what he has done, and he is now away from the communities within Greater Manchester.”

Adding to DI Kelly’s comments Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, District Commander for Trafford, where the officers involved are based, said; “This display of violence against officers going about their duties is heinous and unspeakable.

“These officers went to work that day to help keep the public safe and were responding to a collision involving a suspected drug driver at the time they were attacked.

“No officer should expect to be assaulted at work, particularly not in such a brutal way, and it is very fortunate that PS Ansell’s injuries were survivable in this case.

“Whilst physical injuries may heal, the mental impact of assaults of this nature on officers can be long lasting. I hope this case shows the seriousness of which we take incidents like this affecting our officers. It won’t be tolerated.”

Detective Inspector Neil Dillon of Merseyside Police added: “Brown is quite clearly an extremely dangerous individual and thankfully he has been convicted and sentenced for these serious offences.

“Officers and staff who work for the police and prison service understand the risks of the job, but they should never have to tolerate such violence against them when they are simply attempting to carry out their duties.

“The impact of these attacks should not be underestimated. It can have a huge impact on their physical and mental wellbeing as well as their families.

“My message to those who carry out violence against police is clear: please remember, whatever you think of us, one day you or your families may need our help too.”