A MAN who stabbed a police officer with a pair of scissors has been told to expect jail when he is sentenced next month.

Craig Goddard, 42, turned on the traffic officer after he had been caught stealing meat from Marks and Spencer in St Neots on July 14, last year.

Staff alerted a police officer who was passing the store. But when he approached him in East Street, Goddard pulled out a pair of scissors and launched a frenzied attack, repeatedly trying to stab him in the face and head.

A PCSO and a member of staff from the store came to the officer’s aid, along with two off-duty officers who had spotted the fracas. He was eventually arrested.

The officer needed hospital treatment after being stabbed in the face by Goddard during the struggle.

Goddard, of Surrey Road, Huntingdon, denied grievous bodily harm with intent but was convicted following a trial at Huntingdon Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday).

He had previously admitted theft and possession of a bladed article.

Judge Nicholas Coleman warned Goddard he faced a substantial prison term when he is sentenced next month.

Detective Constable Martin Brocklebank said: “This sort of attack demonstrates the dangers that every officer faces in his day to day work.

“The officer showed great courage and determination to defend himself during the attack which lead to the arrest of Goddard. This was a frenzied attack which could have led to for more serious injuries to the officer or other members of the public.

“Despite the injury and the shock of the attack, he returned to work the following day.”