Jail for violent paedophile

He stabbed police officers

A man has been jailed after injuring two police officers and sexual offences against a child.

Jon Ross, 62, of Burrator Avenue, Princetown committed a 'savage' attack against PCs Darren Brimacombe and Timothy Willett after they responded to a disturbance in the Devon village, the home of Dartmoor Prison.

Ross burst from his parked car and stabbed and slashed at both officers after they located him in the early hours of 9 July 2021.

Both officers needed hospital treatment and have undergone surgery. Neither has returned to frontline duties and they are now both looking for other roles within the police.

Ross admitted two counts of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent and also pleaded guilty to two counts of affray and assault on a previous occasion, for which he was sentenced to 12 years.

He had previously been found guilty of four sexual offences against a child, in a trial that finished in April. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for those offences.

Ross was told he would have to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible to be released on licence.

Praising the victim of the sexual offence, judge Simon Carr said "Your victim gathered courage to approach the police to report what had happened to her."

Ross has been ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life.

In referring to the assault against the police officers, the judge said: "Frenzied is a term overused by the court but not in this case.

"Armed with a knife, you stabbed out repeatedly causing permanent injury to both. The psychological damage has been immense. You went on to attack two other officers.

Detective constable Craig Ferguson said after the sentencing hearing: "We are pleased with the outcome in what has been a lengthy and detailed police investigation.

“Jon Ross employed an extreme and savage level of violence, with a bladed weapon, to severely injure the two police officers.

“The officers were on duty and in uniform when they attended to try and help him. They knew him personally from previous dealings where they had successfully helped him.

“The officers sought to speak with him and tried to help, but he responded by repeatedly stabbing them in a sustained attack.

“As a result, Jon Ross has been imprisoned for a lengthy period of time, meaning that a significant risk has now been removed from our local community.

“I have worked as a police officer for the past 18 years and can say that this assault is without doubt the worst incident of its kind that I have dealt with.

“The officers conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism, both before and after this terrible ordeal, and we have concluded that their approach and conduct throughout was of a very high standard.

“There was nothing that they could do to plan for or avoid the extreme level of violence that Jon Ross had in mind.

“This incident highlights the level of risk that our police officers can face when attending incidents.

“I would like to take the opportunity to commend my colleagues and those who attended and gave them immediate first aid at the scene.

“All of the officers concerned are a true credit to Devon & Cornwall Police and they should be proud of their professionalism, both at the time and throughout the duration of this investigation.

“I would like to take this opportunity to underline that West Devon remains a safe and pleasant place to live.

“Our communities are very supportive and work well with our local policing teams and as such an incident like this remains an incredibly rare event in Devon and Cornwall.”

Speaking about the sentencing of Ross for the charges of sexual abuse of a child, Detective Inspector Debbie Wyatt, who was the senior investigating officer, said: “We welcome today’s sentence.

“I would like to thank the victim for coming forward.

“Her incredible bravery in reporting this matter and supporting a prosecution has resulted in bringing this offender to justice.”

“Sexual assaults have devastating impact on victims and Devon &Cornwall Police are committed to working the criminal justice system to make our communities safer.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker said: “I would like to praise the courage shown by the sexual assault victim.

“This is an important reminder that such reports will always be taken seriously by the police and justice will be sought and we would always encourage victims to come forward.”

He went on to say: “The assault on the officers reflects the dangers and challenges police face on a daily basis, despite this force area being one of the safest places to live in the country.

"Our officers provide an amazing service to the public and demonstrate personal commitment, courage and dedication. They understand risk comes with the nature of policing but being assaulted on duty should never be condoned or seen as ‘part of the job’.

“Devon & Cornwall Police will always seek to pursue and prosecute those who behave in this way.

“This incident could all too easily have resulted in a more tragic conclusion.

“I would like to take the opportunity to praise the bravery of PCs Brimacombe and Willett and acknowledge the actions taken by their colleagues and other emergency service workers who came to their aid, whose actions and professionalism under difficult circumstances played a huge part in preventing an even worse outcome.

“I would also like to commend DC Ferguson for his professionalism and diligence in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

“Finally, I would thank the public of West Devon, and beyond, for the support they showed for the officers and the police service following this incident, this was very much appreciated at what was an extremely traumatic time for all involved.”

Anyone affected by anything raised in this article can contact the police via their website or by calling 101. Calls can also be made anonymously to talk about non-recent abuse by calling the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.