News / hengrove
Attacker sentenced after admitting attempted murder of stranger in petrol station
Soon after 7.30am on a wet Thursday morning in September 2021, Paul Miller walked into a petrol station and carried out a random attack on a stranger.
The 53-year-old has now been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after admitting attempted murder.
A judge at Bristol Crown Court praised both the injured man and the armed police who brought the siege at the Esso on Hengrove Way to an end.
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The injured man, who was in his 20s, managed to flee the shop – along with staff and other shoppers – and was driven from the scene by a friend. He was treated by ambulance service personnel in a nearby street and taken to hospital.
He has since recovered physically recovered but the attack has had a significant impact on his health and wellbeing.
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Read more: Armed police use flash grenades to bring end to siege at petrol station
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Miller was arrested at 9.55am on September 9 2021 by armed police, supported by a police dog and handler, after flash grenades were used to gain entry to the shop.
The judge at Bristol Crown Court commended two firearms officers for their bravery, saying that they were a “credit” to policing.
Avon & Somerset Constabulary detective inspector Mark Newbury said: “This was an awful ordeal for the victim who, despite being severely injured, managed to escape from the petrol station following the attack on him.
“We’d like to thank him for supporting our investigation and for providing evidence which has greatly assisted justice being served.
“It’s important to praise the thoroughly professional and brave actions of the officers who were first on the scene, including armed officers, who were able to safely detain the defendant and prevent any further harm being caused.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
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- Police horses and riders honoured for role played in ‘kill the bill’ protests
- Court of Appeal ruling on Colston 4 case ‘disappointing’
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