A KNIFE-wielding teenager who stabbed a Coventry man has been jailed for four years after being detained by an off-duty detective.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Russell was off the clock when he bravely stepped in after seeing the 16-year-old attacker armed with a knife near Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre, in Cox Street, on June 9 this year.
The assailant stabbed his victim in the arm three times following a dispute, before chasing him into the leisure centre where he also punched him in the face.
But Det Ch Insp Russell followed and managed to get hold the teenager – who tried to hide the weapon in his underwear – until officers arrived.
The victim required 10 stitches to his arm as a result of his injuries.
The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted wounding and possession of a knife in a public place.
He was already on bail for another offence of wounding and was sentenced to a total of four years at a youth offenders institute at Warwick Justice Centre last Thursday (July 7).
Speaking about his heroic actions, Det Ch Insp Russell said: “It was just an instinctive reaction as a police officer; I heard a shout and saw two people running towards me with one holding a knife.
“I tried to intercept them to find out what was going on but they carried on in the sports club.
“I followed them and managed to hold the suspect against a wall until officers arrived and took him into custody for questioning.”
While people have commended him for his bravery, Det Ch Insp Russell says his police training meant it was ‘just a natural thing to do’.
He added: “It was a bit more daunting without the full uniform on and I would not encourage members of the public to approach someone with a knife – but call us immediately.
“This incident should act as a warning that anyone who carries a knife – and can’t resist the temptation to use it – faces being removed from our streets.”
