Man jailed in Cambridge for punching police officer who ‘smiled’ at him
Jacob Hall, 30, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison
Last updated 1st Jul 2025
A man has been sentenced to prison after punching a police officer in the face during an attempted arrest in Cambridge.
The attack happened on 31 May in Jesus Green when the officer, on foot patrol, spotted Jacob Hall, 30, who was wanted by police for other crimes. As the officer tried to arrest him, Hall hit him because the officer had ‘smiled’ at him.
The officer was taken to hospital with a split lip that needed stitches.
Police found a large kitchen knife hidden in his trousers, along with wraps of cocaine and cannabis, and a mobile phone.
At Peterborough Crown Court on 30 June, Hall was jailed for three years and six months. He had already pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm without intent, possession of a knife in public, possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis, and possession of class C drugs.
Detective Constable Joanna MacKenzie, who led the investigation, said: “This incident highlights the very real dangers our officers face every day. When our officers recognised Hall as being wanted and attempted to make an arrest, one was violently assaulted and it was later revealed he was carrying a knife.
“Thankfully the officer was not seriously injured but this could have ended very differently. No one should face violence simply for doing their job, especially those working to keep our communities safe. We hope this sends a clear message that assaults on police officers will not be tolerated.”