Man convicted of stabbing officer

Gary Etchells suffered a severed carotid artery

A man has been found guilty of stabbing a police community support officer (PCSO) in the face with a knife.

Albert Williams, 63, attacked PCSO Gary Etchells, 47, of Derbyshire, who had gone to evict him from his flat in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

Williams severed Mr Etchells' carotid artery and jugular in the attack.

He was cleared of attempted murder but found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

He shouted, "No justice" repeatedly from the dock as he was remanded into custody for the preparation of psychiatric reports.

I hope that this will make people more aware of the police community support officer's role on the street Gary Etchells

Judge Jonathan Geake told him: "The victim was, in my view, lucky to be alive.

"You pre-planned and pre-meditated this serious assault, you armed yourself with this fearsome knife and you remorselessly attacked your victim."

The court heard that Williams was claiming housing benefit despite having about £60,000 in savings.

Mr Etchells, from Glossop, had gone to assist the eviction from a housing association property on 4 December 2006.

But he refused to leave and instead armed himself with the knife and pans of boiling water which he threw at bailiffs.

Williams plunged the knife into the officer's face

Williams, who had claimed he was acting in self-defence, was remanded into custody until 5 September when he will be sentenced.

He is being held at a secure hospital unit in Prestwich, Greater Manchester.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Etchells said his family had endured a difficult seven months but that he felt they could finally move forward.

"But having their support and that from local community has certainly made a difference, and for that we are truly grateful," he added.

"I hope that this will make people more aware of the police community support officer's role on the street and the role they play in the community on a day to day basis."

Mr Etchells reserved special praise for New Charter Housing for its resilience in seeing the case through.