Man pleads guilty to attempted murder of Welsh police officer
A man who stabbed a police officer and attempted to set fire to a police van has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and attempted arson.
Alexander Dighton, 28, admitted ten offences relating to a violent attack at Talbot Green police station in South Wales on the evening of January 31.
Dighton was seen on CCTV arriving across the street from the station carrying a long wooden pole and a large rucksack that contained a hatchet, propellant and tobacco tins. He then attempted to set fire to police vehicles.
After igniting a small fire under a police van, Dighton used the wooden pole to damage the vehicle by smashing the windows before turning his attention to another marked police car. Police officers arrived on scene and ordered him to drop the weapon. He approached the foyer of the station and at this point assaulted an officer.
He assaulted a second officer, and despite their attempt to restrain him, he stabbed a third officer in the leg with a knife.
The officers arrested Dighton, who was found to be wearing body armour.
Searches of his home after arrest revealed journals which revealed anti-immigrant ideologies around a return to ‘traditional’ society.
Following a review of the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing Wales took the lead for the investigation and continued to work closely with South Wales Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which authorised the charges.
The Counter Terrorism Division of the CPS has submitted to the court that Dighton’s offences should be considered to have a terrorist connection. This is because of admissions Dighton made about his actions that evening and that they were motivated by anti-government ideology.
Bethan David, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: “At the sentencing hearing the full facts will be presented to the court and judge for consideration.
“Alexander Dighton planned to attack a police station to target police officers.
“When he failed to set a police van on fire, he smashed the police vehicles to provoke a reaction from officers so he could attack them, he then stabbed one.”
At a sentencing hearing on May 13, the Central Criminal Court will determine whether Dighton’s attack had a terrorist purpose.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Williams, from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “The shocking events at Talbot Green Police station on January 31 are a stark reminder of the dangers police officers face every day. I would like to thank the South Wales Police officers who responded to this incident for their swift and brave actions. They undoubtedly prevented further harm being caused to their colleagues due to their fast response and professionalism.
“The officers were fortunate to walk away without more serious injuries being inflicted. Dighton arrived at Talbot Green police station with the intent to cause serious harm to police officers due to his anti-government mindset. He saw the police as an extension of the government and he came prepared to cause as much damage and destruction as he possibly could.
“I appreciate that the details of this attack will cause understandable shock and concern in the local community. We are grateful for the support we have received from the public during this investigation. We will continue to work closely with South Wales Police to reassure those affected, both the officers involved and the local community.”
Local policing commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones, said: “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable bravery and professionalism displayed by our officers, especially in light of the recent incidents we’ve witnessed.
“It’s truly rare to see such occurrences and having a second incident, which was the fatal shooting of Joanne Penney on March 9, in such close proximity underscores the unpredictable nature of our work.”