Drug dealer punched police officer 'for smiling'

A drug dealer who punched a police officer for "smiling at him" while being arrested has been jailed.

Jacob Hall, 30, of no fixed address, had a large knife hidden down his trousers and a number of drugs in his possession when he was confronted by officers on Jesus Green in Cambridge on 31 May.

He attacked an officer, who needed stitches for a split lip, claiming he did it because the officer smiled at him.

Hall admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, possessing a knife, and a number of drug-related charges and was jailed at Peterborough Crown Court on Monday for three-and-a-half years.

Cambridgeshire Police said an officer was on foot patrol when he spotted Hall, who he knew was wanted for inquiries into outstanding crimes.

As he attempted to arrest him, the officer was hit in the face.

Hall claimed he did it because the officer "smiled" at him, police said.

Alongside a large kitchen knife in his trousers, police found multiple wraps of cocaine, cannabis and a mobile phone.

Hall admitted attacking the officer and possessing the knife, as well as possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis and possession of a class C drug.

Det Con Joanna MacKenzie said: "This incident highlights the very real dangers our officers face every day.

"When our officers recognised Hall as being wanted and attempted to make an arrest, one was violently assaulted and it was later revealed [Hall] was carrying a knife.

"Thankfully the officer was not seriously injured but this could have ended very differently.

"No-one should face violence simply for doing their job, especially those working to keep our communities safe. We hope this sends a clear message that assaults on police officers will not be tolerated."

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