Robert Jenner is currently on trial for attempted murder and wounding with intent after allegedly stabbing a police officer 23 times with scissors during an arrest. Body camera footage shown in court captured the horrifying attack, with PC Sean Quinn screaming for help as Jenner launched a frenzied assault. The incident only ended when a second officer intervened and Jenner dropped the weapon. The Crown’s case is that Jenner was intentionally trying to end PC Quinn’s life, based on the severity and number of stab wounds inflicted.
Earlier on the day of the attack, Jenner had visited Maidstone police station to request the return of his previously seized see-through clothing. When officers refused, believing he would wear them to commit another offense, Jenner threatened to strip off. Later that evening, a report was received of a man running naked in a park, believed to be Jenner by the responding officers. Upon visiting his address, PC Quinn was stabbed multiple times by Jenner, who had barricaded himself in his flat. Jenner’s defense claims he was acting in self-defense against an ‘unlawful arrest’ or entry to his flat and did not intend to seriously harm or kill the officer.
The level of force required to cause the deep stab wounds sustained by PC Quinn was described as moderate to severe by the prosecutor. PC Quinn recounted the moment Jenner launched himself towards him, leading him to believe his life was in danger. Despite being pepper sprayed by a colleague, Jenner continued his attack on the officer. Following his arrest, Jenner expressed regret stating, ‘I didn’t want this to happen, I didn’t want it to come to this.’ However, the pathologist’s evidence presented in court suggests that the wounds inflicted by Jenner had the potential to be fatal due to their proximity to major arteries.
The trial at Maidstone Crown Court also heard how officers had dealt with Jenner in the past, leading them to recognize him as the man in the park engaging in indecent exposure. PC Quinn described Jenner as angry and naked when he encountered him in his flat, before the sudden and violent attack took place. The defense’s argument that Jenner was defending himself against an unlawful entry is in contrast with the prosecution’s assertion that Jenner’s actions were aimed at causing serious harm or death to PC Quinn. With the trial ongoing, the prosecution will continue to present evidence supporting their case against the accused.
The shocking incident has highlighted the dangers that police officers face in the line of duty, with PC Quinn sustaining multiple life-threatening injuries during the attack. The body camera footage played in court provided a harrowing insight into the terrifying ordeal faced by the officer, as he screamed for assistance while being repeatedly stabbed. The bravery displayed by the second officer who intervened to stop the attack was instrumental in preventing further harm to PC Quinn. As the trial progresses, more details surrounding the events leading up to the violent assault and the motives behind Jenner’s actions are expected to emerge. The court will ultimately determine Jenner’s guilt or innocence in relation to the charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent.
