Police Officer Nathan Attwell bravely shared his story after enduring a vicious assault that left him battered and unconscious by a drunken aggressor. The incident occurred when PC Attwell responded to a call regarding a man, Richard Nodwell, who had been causing a disturbance at his daughter’s home in Cwmbran. Little did PC Attwell know that this routine call would lead to a life-altering event. As he approached Nodwell on December 20, last year, PC Attwell requested him to stop and show his hands, a standard procedure to check for weapons. However, Nodwell launched a brutal and sustained attack on PC Attwell, punching and kicking him until he lost consciousness.
Shocking footage captured by PC Attwell’s body-worn camera revealed the brutal assault where Nodwell callously beat the officer, leaving him bloodied and battered on the ground. Despite PC Attwell’s attempts to maintain control of the situation, Nodwell’s violent outburst was relentless. The officer suffered severe injuries, including a broken cheekbone, fractured eye socket, fractured sinus bone, severe nose breaks, and cuts to the back of his head. The assault was so severe that PC Attwell was left disoriented and in excruciating pain, unsure of the extent of his injuries.
Following the attack, Nodwell continued his violent behavior by assaulting two more officers who attempted to restrain him, showcasing a pattern of aggression towards emergency workers. PC Attwell’s injuries were so severe that he had to be hospitalized and faced the possibility of undergoing surgery due to the extent of the damage inflicted upon him. The traumatic incident not only physically harmed PC Attwell but also took a toll on his mental well-being, leading to anxiety and fear that lingered even after the attack.
As a result of the assault, Nodwell was sentenced to six years and four months in prison, with an extended license period of three years. The court heard of Nodwell’s history of assaulting emergency workers, highlighting a concerning trend of violence towards those who serve and protect the community. PC Attwell, despite facing significant challenges in his recovery, remains resolute in his dedication to his job as a police officer. However, he has transitioned to a non-operational role to facilitate his physical and emotional healing.
PC Attwell’s harrowing experience sheds light on the dangers that emergency workers face in the line of duty and the psychological impact of such traumatic events. His resilience and determination to overcome the trauma serve as a testament to the bravery and dedication exhibited by police officers in fulfilling their duties. The incident also underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and action to address and prevent assaults on emergency workers, ensuring their safety and well-being as they continue to serve the community selflessly.