Shock number of assaults on cops revealed as rampaging Sheffield criminal jailed for attacking police officers
“Assaults on officers at the moment are happening every single day”
The shocking number of assaults being carried out on police officers and workers in South Yorkshire has been revealed, as a violent “menace” was sentenced for headbutting one officer and spitting at another.
During a Sheffield rampage, Sabir Albakeeri attacked an officer, escaped by jumping out of a window while handcuffed, before assaulting a Tesco security guard and spitting at another cop.
As Sabir Albakeeri’s offending was detailed at Sheffield Crown Court, a statement submitted by South Yorkshire’s Chief Constable Lauren Poultney revealed that 15 assaults are carried out on police staff every week in South Yorkshire - the equivalent of two every day, 60 per month, and over 730 every year.
“We have a duty as a society to prevent police officers and staff from being assaulted,” Chf Con Poultney said.
“On a daily basis, police officers place themselves in harm’s way to protect the vulnerable, to prevent and detect crime and keep communities safe. All too often officers and staff are subject to threats, abuse, intimidation and assaults while on duty.”
Steve Kent, from the South Yorkshire Police Federation - which represents rank and file officers - described the treatment officers are currently experiencing in South Yorkshire as “shocking.”
“Assaults on officers at the moment are happening every single day. The level of violence is absolutely shocking as we have also seen in this case and recent cases,” he said.
Jailing Albakeeri for 16 months, three weeks, during a hearing held on June 30, 2026, Judge Rachael Harrison told him: “You are a menace…this is deplorable behaviour you are either unwilling or unable to control” | SYP
Albakeeri’s assaults came after his father made an emergency call to Firshill Rise, Firshill and two female officers responded.
Andrew Bailey, prosecuting, said: “The defendant drew back his head, and headbutted the Police Constable, causing her immediate pain to her mouth, teeth, and left side of her face.”
Albakeeri headbutted the officer again, striking her to the chest that time.
In her statement, the officer said: “I do not go to work and expect to be assaulted when I am only doing my job…I entered the property because the male assaulted his father.”
She described being concerned about her family being distressed at the sight of her injuries and being given reason to worry about her being at work.
After assaulting the officer, Albakeeri, whilst in handcuffs, “jumped out of the window, and escaped into a nearby estate,” Mr Bailey told the court.
Albakeeri, aged 40, was then seen in Tesco on Barnsley Road in Fir Vale, Sheffield, where he assaulted a security guard after shouting for someone to help him remove his handcuffs.
The security guard said it is now common for him to be routinely assaulted just for doing his job.
“This sort of incident is becoming normal,” the security guard said, adding: “I’m often assaulted by shoplifters…I should not come to work to be threatened and assaulted.”
Albakeeri was arrested before being taken into custody and while in his police cell activated his call buzzer, and spat at at officer who responded.
Jailing Albakeeri for 16 months and three weeks, Judge Rachael Harrison said: “You are a menace…this is deplorable behaviour you are either unwilling or unable to control.
“When under the influence, you have a complete disregard for authority and are very ready to use violence.”
Albakeeri pleaded guilty to a string of offences in relation to the incident, which unfolded on September 28 and 29, 2025, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assaulting an emergency worker, common assault and escaping lawful custody.
The court was told Albakeeri has a criminal record for offences including wounding, assaulting an emergency worker, assault by beating, possessing a bladed article and criminal damage.
Defending, Kevin Jones told the court that Albakeeri has spent nine months in custody - after being remanded in the wake of the incident - and has used that time to reflect on his behaviour.
He suggested the public may be better served by Albakeeri being given help to address his issues with a suspended sentence and mental health treatment requirement, because it would prevent him carrying out further offences.
But handing Albakeeri a custodial sentence, Judge Harrison noted he has a history of poor compliance with court orders.