Torfaen, Wales – A man from Torfaen has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison with an extended license of three years for the brutal attack on PC Nathan Attwell. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, left the officer hospitalized with serious injuries following a frenzied assault.
PC Nathan Attwell was performing his usual response duties in Torfaen when he responded to a disturbance in Cwmbran on Friday, December 20. Upon encountering Richard Nodwell, who matched the description of a suspect wanted in connection with the disturbance, Nathan approached him, only to be met with violence.
The assault, lasting 50 seconds, involved punches and kicks that resulted in Nathan sustaining a fractured eye socket, broken cheekbone, and broken nose. After the attack, Nodwell fled the scene but was later captured by officers, who found him hiding nearby. He further assaulted two police officers by spitting at one and biting the other before being taken into custody.
Nodwell was ultimately charged with section 18 assault and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, to which he pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court on January 20. Following the incident, PC Nathan Attwell expressed his dismay at being subjected to such violence while simply trying to perform his duty to assist others.
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough of Gwent Police commended Nathan for his courage in speaking out about the attack, emphasizing that police officers are not just their uniforms but members of the community who deserve respect and protection. He condemned the assault on Nathan, noting the significant impact it had on the officer, his family, and the wider community.
Despite the challenges faced by emergency workers in the line of duty, Chief Constable Hobrough emphasized the importance of supporting and valuing their contributions. He underscored the need to hold individuals like Nodwell accountable for their actions and stressed the severe consequences of assaulting emergency workers.
As Nathan continues to recover from his injuries, the community stands in solidarity with him and all frontline responders who risk their lives daily to ensure public safety. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in law enforcement and the necessity of upholding their safety and well-being.