Man convicted of attempting to kill British Transport Police Special Constable – Preston

A man has been convicted of the attempted murder of a British Transport Police (BTP) special constable in a targeted attack.

Russell Smith aged 54, of Shakespeare Road, Preston, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article by a jury at Preston Crown Court today, Thursday 27 February.

He will be sentenced on Monday 14 April.

The court heard how, at around 9.30pm on 7 September 2024, the victim, a BTP Special Constable, was working a policing operation at Preston station to ensure passenger safety during the Radio 2 Summer festival.

Smith approached the officer from behind while he was advising two members of the public on their travel plans, repeatedly moving his hand to his trouser pocket where he had a kitchen knife concealed.

Smith followed the officer outside the station standing directly behind him and staring at him with his hand on the knife in his pocket.

Then, as the officer walked into the station, Smith pulled the knife from his pocket, raised it above his head and ran towards the officer, stabbing him in the back of the neck.

The force of the blow caused the officer to fall forwards and Smith moved towards him again with the knife as his victim tried to crawl away.

A colleague who heard the officer’s screams ran to his aid and Smith backed away. On realising his colleague had been stabbed he used his captor spray to restrain Smith who dropped the knife while another officer handcuffed Smith.

The officer sustained a puncture wound to the thoracic spine area and it is only by sheer luck that this injury did not cause life threatening or life changing injuries.

Smith was taken into custody where he smeared his own faeces over the walls of his cell and continued to be violent, telling officers he would attack more officers and asking if the victim was dead.

Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle said: “This was an exceptionally violent, shocking and calculated attack on a uniformed police officer as they were simply doing their job.

“It is a testament to the character of the officer involved that he has now returned to duty and remains determined to fulfil his role as a special constable, protecting the public and keeping the railway safe.

“Police officers, particularly those who take on an unpaid role to protect the public, uphold the law and keep us all safe - and they should be able to do so without fear of violence. On behalf of all of BTP, I am pleased to see justice served today.”