Derry man shot by police while brandishing two knives jailed
Noel David Quigley (42) of Celandine Court in Derry admitted a charge of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm
A man who was shot by police while brandishing two knives has been sentenced at Derry Crown Court.
Noel David Quigley (42) of Celandine Court in Derry admitted a charge of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on April 17, 2021.
The court heard police were called to an address after Quigley had phoned 999 threatening to self harm.
When police arrived Quigley was sitting in a chair holding a knife in each hand and threatening to cut his throat.
Police tried to talk him into placing the knives down but he refused and then 'irritant spray' was used but to no avail.
Quigley was then said to have stood up 'stabbing and slashing at an officer about the head'.
The court heard that there was a slit in the officer’s cap caused by a knife and the officer required treatment for a head wound.
The court was told that the attack only ended when an officer discharged his firearm and shot Quigley who was then taken to the Royal Victoria hospital in Belfast.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC said that Quigley had a history of offences against police with 15 previous convictions for assault on police.
He said the defendant had had a difficult violent childhood.
The judge said he had read various reports about the benefits Quigley was getting from counselling.
He added that it was a case where body worn footage benefited both the defence and prosecution showing the attack on the officer and also the state of the defendant.
Judge Rafferty said that this was ‘a serious assault’ on a police officer with a knife but ‘thankfully the injuries were superficial’.
He said anyone who engaged on assaults on police must expect a custodial sentence.
Quigley was sentenced to three years with 18 months in custody and 18 months on licence.
Speaking after today's sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Michael O 'Loan said: "Our officers had responded to a call for concern for safety. They went to address to help, and were faced with a difficult and volatile situation. This could have had a much different outcome.
"Our officers are here to help people, and protect communities and we are committed to doing all we can to keep people safe and protecting communities.
“However, no matter what the situation is, or the circumstances are, being assaulted is not 'part of the job', and we hope today’s sentence illustrates that anyone who assaults police should expect to be held accountable by the Courts.”