A 28-YEAR-OLD male from Talbot Green has today been sentenced for attempted murder and nine other offences following a violent attack at Talbot Green Police station on Friday 31 January.
Alexander Dighton today, June 13, appeared at Central Criminal Court where he was handed a life sentence of 22 years and 235 days minimum after the court confirmed the incident to be terrorism related.
On the evening of the 31 January, 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 worked closely with South Wales Police and Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charges.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome at court today.”
“On a daily basis, police officers up and down the length of the country, put their safety at risk on behalf of the public. They frequently enter situations that are uncertain, dangerous and can often be life threatening. This was no exception, and I must specifically acknowledge the courageous and determined actions of the officers that night in acting to contain the high level of threat presented to them, and ultimately the wider public, by Dighton.
“Our investigations demonstrated Dighton held strong anti-government, anti-Islam and anti-immigration views. He clearly hated our society and decided he was going to take a stand. We believe his distorted beliefs and mindset is what legitimised his attack on the police that day, as he considered them as representatives of the state. Counter Terrorism Policing together with wider policing as a whole, will relentlessly and vigorously pursue anyone who acts in such a way to undermine our democracy and our way of life, and ensure they are held to account for their actions.”
Local policing commander, Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones, said: Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones said:” I wish to express my gratitude for the bravery and professionalism of our officers that day. It is deeply appreciated.
“The attack on our officers shows the often unpredictable and dangerous nature of police work, and the impact events such as this have on officers, their families, and the community. Each officer is not just a public servant but also a husband, wife, or parent, and their families are undoubtedly deeply affected by incidents such as these that officers face daily.
“I want to also recognise the detectives’ unwavering commitment throughout the investigation which is also commendable.
“Talbot Green’s reputation for being quiet and safe makes this incident all the starker, reminding us all of the unexpected risks and the existence of individuals like Alexander Dighton within our communities.”
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:
“Alexander Dighton wanted to attack the government and the state.
“By his own admission he wanted to take the life of a police officer, to cause damage and spill blood. We were able to show that Dighton’s attack was not only pre-meditated and meticulously planned, but that his motivations were connected to terrorism.
“While it is not a criminal offence to hold extreme or offensive views, it is one to carry out attempted murder and attack police officers which is what he had no option but to admit doing.”
“He pleaded guilty, and his sentencing today reflects the severity of his actions.”
