A man has been jailed for nine years after stabbing a neighbour and shooting a police officer with a crossbow in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Jason King, 55, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to unlawful wounding, possessing a blade, wounding with intent, and affray.
The court heard that King stabbed Alistair Mahwuto, 63, with a small knife following a longstanding dispute on 10 May 2024. When police arrived, King shot at them repeatedly from his upstairs window with a crossbow, then chased an officer and shot him in the leg, causing a 2-3cm wound close to an artery.
Prosecutor Graham Smith said King appeared to be “hunting” and “stalking” the police, and that the officer saw him “grinning” before being shot. King was later shot once in the stomach by police after refusing to put down the weapon. The judge noted King had purchased the crossbow to arm himself, rejecting claims it was for recreation.
In mitigation, Mark Kimsey said King had a worsening mental condition, believing he could speak to dogs and an “Egyptian god”. The judge said King was motivated by revenge and grievance towards neighbours and police. King will serve an additional three years on extended licence.
In victim statements, Mahwuto said the stabbing had “affected me more than I would have ever imagined”, while the injured officer said the incident had “changed my outlook on life” and made him more protective of colleagues. An investigation by the police watchdog praised the “courage, professionalism and sound judgment” of officers involved.
