Bradford man jailed for throwing a machete at a police officer

A man who threw a machete at a police officer while being arrested has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Joshua Bentley, 34, was already on bail for various offenses against West Yorkshire Police officers when the incident happened in November.

Bradford Crown Court heard he brandished two other blades during the attack on Buck Mill Lane in the Thackley area of ​​the city.

Before Thursday’s sentencing, Bentley pleaded guilty to a number of felonies, including malicious communications, assaulting an emergency worker and threatening an officer.

Defending Bentley, Samuel Sharp said his client understood his behavior was “completely reprehensible”.

Mr Sharp added that Bentley, who was then living on a boat on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, had reflected on his actions while on remand for seven months and now needed professional help.

“He wants to get back to his canal boat,” Mr Sharp said.

The officer involved in the machete incident said he feared for his life and that the incident “had a profound effect” on him.

Bentley had previously told a police dispatcher that he was “an inch away from killing” another officer.

Following his arrest for that offense in September 2022, he attempted to headbutt another officer.

In January 2023, Bentley sent several threatening text messages to an officer, including threats to stab or shoot him.

After going to the police station for questioning, he became agitated and grabbed an officer’s shirt, ripping two buttons.

Bentley, who has previous convictions for stalking, harassment and grievous bodily harm, said he never intended to carry out the threats.

The court heard he had felt angry and frustrated at apparently not being listened to.

Recorder David Kelly made Bentley subject to a five-year criminal behavior order restricting his use of 999 and 101 telephone numbers and banning him from using abusive, insulting or aggressive language towards call handlers.