JON ROSS AND THE BRUTAL ATTACK ON POLICE OFFICERS IN HOLSWORTHY, DARTMOOR

A violent incident involving a child sex offender named Jon Ross has resulted in a lengthy prison sentence after he carried out a savage and alcohol-fueled attack on two police officers in Dartmoor, near Holsworthy. The incident, which took place in the early hours of July 9, 2021, has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face even during routine calls.

Jon Ross, aged 62 and residing on Burrator Avenue, was found guilty of multiple serious offences, including two counts of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent, affray, and assault on previous occasions. These charges stemmed from a particularly intense altercation with police officers that left both sides significantly injured. Ross, who had a prior conviction for four historic sexual offences against a child, was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison, with the sentences for his current and past crimes to be served consecutively. Under the terms of the sentence, Ross is required to serve at least two-thirds before becoming eligible for release on licence, and he will remain on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.

The tragic incident began when police officers were called to reports of a disturbance at a property late on July 8, 2021. The police were informed that Jon Ross had been drinking alcohol, taken his car keys, and left the address. The caller expressed concern about Ross’s mental state and behavior. Given their previous dealings with Ross, officers Darren Brimacombe and Timothy Willett, who knew him from community work, responded to the scene in Dartmoor and managed to locate his vehicle in Princetown.

When they arrived, they found Ross sitting in the driver’s seat, drinking from a bottle. Despite being verbally aggressive and hostile, the officers approached him calmly and attempted to speak with him. Without warning, Ross suddenly swung a knife at PC Willett, narrowly missing him. The situation quickly escalated as Ross then burst out of his car and launched a frenzied assault on PC Brimacombe. During the scuffle, Ross repeatedly stabbed PC Brimacombe, causing severe injuries.

PC Brimacombe suffered significant lacerations to his scalp and face, with reports indicating that he was nearly robbed of the end of his nose. He also sustained a severe stab wound to his arm, which resulted in heavy arterial bleeding. Meanwhile, PC Willett fought off Ross during the struggle, managing to wrestle him away from his injured colleague. In the chaos, PC Willett was also stabbed in the forearm and sustained injuries to his fingers as he attempted to wrest the knife from Ross’s grasp.

In a decisive move, PC Willett deployed his Taser to subdue Ross, allowing the officers to apply handcuffs and detain him. Both officers used their radios to activate emergency signals, calling for immediate backup. The extent of PC Brimacombe’s injuries was so severe that a police-issued tourniquet had to be applied to control the bleeding from his arm.

The police further revealed that Ross’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit for driving. Images of the violent scene, released with the blessing of PCs Brimacombe and Willett, graphically illustrated the dangers faced by police officers during such incidents.

Detective Constable Craig Ferguson spoke following the sentencing, expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the lengthy investigation. He described Ross’s attack as extreme and savage, emphasizing how the use of a blade led to the serious injuries inflicted on the officers. Ferguson highlighted that the officers, despite knowing Ross personally from previous interactions and efforts to assist him, were met with immediate violence rather than cooperation.

He noted that the officers responded with professionalism throughout the ordeal, maintaining their composure despite the brutal attack. The incident, Ferguson stated, was without doubt the worst of its kind he had ever encountered in his 18 years of service.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker also commented on the case, praising the bravery of PC Brimacombe and PC Willett. He underscored the importance of victims of sexual assault coming forward and assured the public that such reports are taken seriously. Parker also reiterated that police officers face daily risks and that resisting arrest or attacking officers will always result in prosecution.

In closing, law enforcement officials expressed their appreciation for the quick actions and professionalism of all emergency services personnel involved, acknowledging that their efforts prevented an even more tragic outcome. The case of Jon Ross serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by police in the line of duty, especially when confronted with violent offenders under the influence of alcohol and mental instability.