Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 14th April 2025 at 18:50hrs
A 54-year-old man from Preston has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for the attempted murder of a British Transport Police (BTP) Special Constable at Preston station.
Russell Smith, of Shakespeare Road, Preston, was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court on February 27th of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
Today, Monday, April 14th, Smith received his sentence, which includes a minimum of 18 years behind bars before he can be considered for parole, followed by an extended five-year licence period.
The court heard the chilling details of the incident, which unfolded at approximately 9:30 pm on September 7th, 2024.
The victim, a BTP Special Constable, was on duty as part of a policing operation at Preston station, ensuring passenger safety during the Radio 2 Summer festival.
Smith approached the officer from behind while he was assisting two members of the public with their travel arrangements.
Witnesses reported Smith repeatedly reaching into his trouser pocket, where he had concealed a kitchen knife.
The situation escalated as Smith followed the Special Constable outside the station, standing directly behind him and staring while his hand remained on the concealed knife.
As the officer re-entered the station, Smith suddenly drew the knife, raised it above his head, and ran towards the unsuspecting officer, stabbing him in the back of the neck.
The force of the attack caused the officer to fall forward. Smith continued his assault, moving towards his victim with the knife as the injured officer desperately tried to crawl away.
Fortunately, a colleague of the Special Constable heard his screams and rushed to his aid.
Upon seeing his colleague had been stabbed, the officer deployed his captor spray, causing Smith to back away and drop the knife. Another officer then swiftly moved in to handcuff Smith.
The victim sustained a puncture wound to the thoracic spine area. The court heard that it was only by “sheer luck” that the injury did not result in life-threatening or life-changing consequences.
Following his arrest, Smith displayed further violent behaviour while in custody.
He smeared his own faeces over the walls of his cell and continued to be aggressive, telling officers he would attack more of them and repeatedly asking if his victim had died.
Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle of the British Transport Police commented on the sentencing, stating:
“Justice has been served today as Russell Smith has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for this violent and targeted attack on a British Transport Police Special Constable.”
He added, “We hope the officer, who has already returned to his duties protecting the public and keeping the railway safe, can now gain some closure from what was an horrific experience.”
ACC Doyle further emphasised the dangers faced by police officers, particularly those in voluntary roles:
“No police officer, particularly those who take on an unpaid role to make a difference and protect their community, should be subject to violence like this and we will continue to support him through his ongoing recovery.”
He concluded by extending his gratitude to the investigation team for their “dedication and hard work in securing this outcome.”
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