‘Terrorist’ who attempted to murder police officer jailed for life
A man who stabbed a police officer and attempted to set fire to a police station has been jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years after it was found the incident was connected to terrorism.
Alexander Dighton, 28, admitted 11 offences relating to a violent attack at Talbot Green police station in South Wales on the evening of January 31.
Originally, he had planned to attack police officers in his own home, after waiting to be picked up by officers after refusing to attend a police station to provide biometric samples in relation to an earlier public disorder incident.
He had sharpened a shovel and had intended to kill any police officers who came to his address, when none did, his plan changed.
Just before 7pm on January 31, Dighton arrived outside the station brandishing a home crafted weapon made from a long stick with sharp metal head.
He tried to light a Molotov cocktail, which failed to ignite, before using the contents to set fire to a police van.
Four police officers then began to try to stop Dighton. He assaulted the first police officer and stabbed another.
During the incident and in interview he stated that his “tolerance for the government had come to an end” and he had targeted the police as they were a ‘keystone of government power.’
He claimed he had wanted to cause as much damage as possible and that he wanted police officers to bleed.
Searches of his home after arrest revealed journals which revealed anti-immigrant ideologies and a desire for a return to ‘traditional’ society.
He also described how he had prepared for the attack, including wearing a bullet-proof vest, as he wanted to carry out an attack on the State and cause as much damage as possible. He chose to target the police as he saw them as a representative of the state and a legitimate target.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome at court today.”
“On a daily basis, police officers up and down the length of the country, put their safety at risk on behalf of the public. They frequently enter situations that are uncertain, dangerous and can often be life threatening. This was no exception, and I must specifically acknowledge the courageous and determined actions of the officers that night in acting to contain the high level of threat presented to them, and ultimately the wider public, by Dighton.
“Our investigations demonstrated Dighton held strong anti-government, anti-Islam and anti-immigration views. He clearly hated our society and decided he was going to take a stand. We believe his distorted beliefs and mindset is what legitimised his attack on the police that day, as he considered them as representatives of the state.
“Counter Terrorism Policing together with wider policing as a whole, will relentlessly and vigorously pursue anyone who acts in such a way to undermine our democracy and our way of life, and ensure they are held to account for their actions.”
Bethan David, head of the Counter Terrorism Division for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alexander Dighton wanted to attack the government and the State.
“By his own admission he wanted to take the life of a police officer, to cause damage and spill blood. We were able to show that Dighton’s attack was not only pre-meditated and meticulously planned, but that his motivations were connected to terrorism.
“While it is not a criminal offence to hold extreme or offensive views, it is one to carry out attempted murder and attack police officers because of them.”
“He pleaded guilty, and his sentencing today reflects the severity of his actions.”
South Wales Police local policing commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones, said: “I wish to express my gratitude for the bravery and professionalism of our officers that day. It is deeply appreciated.
“The attack on our officers shows the often unpredictable and dangerous nature of police work, and the impact events such as this have on officers, their families, and the community. Each officer is not just a public servant but also a husband, wife, or parent, and their families are undoubtedly deeply affected by incidents such as these that officers face daily.
“I want to also recognise the detectives’ unwavering commitment throughout the investigation which is also commendable.
“Talbot Green’s reputation for being quiet and safe makes this incident all the starker, reminding us all of the unexpected risks and the existence of individuals like Alexander Dighton within our communities.”
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said Dighton “wanted to attack the Government and the State”.
“By his own admission he wanted to take the life of a police officer, to cause damage and spill blood. We were able to show that Dighton’s attack was not only pre-meditated and meticulously planned, but that his motivations were connected to terrorism,” he said.
“While it is not a criminal offence to hold extreme or offensive views, it is one to carry out attempted murder and attack police officers which is what he had no option but to admit doing.”
“He pleaded guilty, and his sentencing today reflects the severity of his actions.”