A man has pleaded guilty to a series of charges – including the attempted murder of a police officer – at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey.
Following an incident at Talbot Green Police Station on Friday, January 31, which resulted in three police officers being injured, 28-year-old Alexander Stephen Dighton, from Llantrisant, pleaded guilty to 10 offences.
Dighton, who was arrested at the scene, was charged on February 2.
The offences are:
- attempted murder of officer 1
- attempt to cause grievous bodily harm of officer 2
- threatening officer 3 with an offensive weapon
- assault of an emergency worker (officer 4)
- possession of an offensive weapon
- attempted arson
- possession of a bladed article
- possession of a bladed article
- criminal damage
- criminal damage
Dighton will be sentenced on May 13 at the Central Criminal Court.
On the evening of January 31, Dighton was seen on CCTV arriving across the street from Talbot Green Police Station carrying a long wooden pole and a large rucksack that contained a hatchet, propellant and tobacco tins. He then attempted to set fire to police vehicles.
After igniting a small fire under a police van, Dighton used the wooden pole to damage the vehicle by smashing the windows before turning his attention to another marked police car. Police officers arrived on scene and ordered him to drop the weapon. He approached the foyer of the station and at this point assaulted an officer.
He assaulted a second officer, and despite their attempt to restrain him, he stabbed a third officer in the leg with a knife. The officers arrested Dighton, who was found to be wearing body armour.
Following a review of the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing Wales took the lead for the investigation and continued to work closely with South Wales Police and Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised the charges.
The Counter Terrorism Division of the Crown Prosecution Service has submitted to the court that Dighton’s offences should be considered to have a terrorist connection. This is because of admissions Dighton made about his actions that evening and that they were motivated by anti-government ideology.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Williams, from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said:
“The shocking events at Talbot Green Police station on January 31 are a stark reminder of the dangers police officers face every day. I would like to thank the South Wales Police officers who responded to this incident for their swift and brave actions. They undoubtedly prevented further harm being caused to their colleagues due to their fast response and professionalism.
“The officers were fortunate to walk away without more serious injuries being inflicted. Dighton arrived at Talbot Green Police station with the intent to cause serious harm to police officers due to his anti-government mindset. He saw the police as an extension of the government and he came prepared to cause as much damage and destruction as he possibly could.
“I appreciate that the details of this attack will cause understandable shock and concern in the local community. We are grateful for the support we have received from the public during this investigation. We will continue to work closely with South Wales Police to reassure those affected, both the officers involved and the local community.”
Local policing commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones, said:
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable bravery and professionalism displayed by our officers, especially in light of the recent incidents we’ve witnessed.
“It’s truly rare to see such occurrences and having a second incident, which was the fatal shooting of Joanne Penney on March 9, in such close proximity underscores the unpredictable nature of our work.”
Bethan David, Head of the Counter Terrorism Division for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
“Alexander Dighton tried to murder a police officer after attempting to set fire to police vehicles.
“At the sentencing hearing the full facts will be presented to the court and judge for consideration.”
