A MAN who stabbed a PCSO with a pair of scissors has been jailed for five years.

Sam Reynolds, 35, of no foxed address in Taunton, attacked PCSO Sam Bushen as the latter tried to arrest him in Monkton Heathfield.

Reynolds was convicted of a number of offences, including actual bodily harm, burglary and theft when he appeared at Taunton Crown Court today (Friday).

He had pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, actual bodily harm, possession of a sharply pointed article, eight counts of theft-related offences, and breach of an existing court order. Reynolds also admitted a number of other offences which were considered during sentencing.

He was arrested on Monday, August 5, when he threatened and then stabbed PCSO Bushen. PCSO Bushen was not seriously wounded in the incident and has since returned to work.

He had been remanded in custody since appearing at Taunton Magistrates' Court two days later.

The chairman of Avon and Somerset Police Federation, Inspector Andy Roebuck, said: “Sam displayed tremendous bravery in his actions and is a real credit to the force, his family and his community.

"This highlights the dangers that police officers and police staff endure every day and we should never take their work for granted.

"We do not come to work to be threatened or assaulted, this is simply not part of our job.

"We challenge the courts to acknowledge this work and provide a sentence that is fit for the crime.

"There has to be a deterrent for such attacks on emergency workers and we need such violence to stop, so that our staff go home safely at the end of their working day."

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said: "The welfare of safety of our officers is paramount and we are continuously investigating new and improved ways of police intervention which will reduce the likelihood of officers being assaulted in the line of duty."

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Officers put their lives on the line to keep local people safe every day and they do not join the force to be physically or emotionally abused.

"The bravery and professionalism shown by PCSO Sam Bushen should be commended and I want to thank him for the exceptional bravery he displayed in an incredibly dangerous situation.

“I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that assaults against our officers are totally unacceptable and we will take whatever action necessary to ensure they are protected and those responsible for such attacks are prosecuted.”