THIS is the terrifying moment a cop was battered by a thug in a 50-second blitz of punches and kicks leaving him with broken bones.
PC Nathan Attwell was on his usual response shift in Torfaen, Wales, when Richard Nodwell, 37, launched a frenzied attack on him.
Nathan was responding to a report of a disturbance in Cwmbran on December 20 when he saw Richard.
He approached him and after speaking briefly Nodwell started to repeatedly punch and kick the police constable.
The attack lasted 50 seconds and left Nathan with a fractured eye socket, broken cheek bone and broken nose.
Nodwell ran after the assault leaving Nathan on the floor injured.
Officers quickly found Nodwell hiding nearby and he further assaulted two police officers – spitting at one and biting the other.
Nodwell was immediately arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
He was later charged for these offences and plead guilty at Cardiff Crown Court on January 20.
Today he was sentenced to six years and four months imprisonment with an extended license of three years.
Nathan said: “When you join the police service, there's a stigma that sometimes you've got to put up with abuse, whether that be shouting, swearing, spitting, or kicking.
“However, no one goes to work to be assaulted, especially when they are just trying to help someone.
“The night of the assault I was afraid to go to sleep in case I didn't wake up.
“Why is it, that people like Nodwell feel it's ok to assault police officers and expect no consequences for doing so?”
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: “I would like to commend Nathan for bravely speaking out about this awful attack which has significantly affected him, his family, the wider community, and all of us at Gwent Police.
“Our officers, Nathan included, are more than their uniform – they are members of our community, they are parents, siblings, and friends, who love and are loved.
“They come to work to make a difference and will be there during your time of need.
“Just like you wouldn't expect to be assaulted while carrying out your job, they shouldn't either.”
