Father and Son Sentenced for Vicious Assault on Police Officer in Hereford
A father and son have been handed significant prison sentences for a brutal and sustained attack on a police officer who intervened to protect a member of the public in Hereford. PC Ryan Davis, a 34-year-old officer, suffered catastrophic injuries including a dislocated and broken ankle, multiple fractures, and severe facial lacerations during the assault on Union Street.
Horrific Details of the Cowardly Attack
CCTV footage from March 29, 2024, captured the moment Richard Quinn, aged 49, and his 20-year-old son Alex Quinn initially attacked another man in the city centre. PC Davis, who was on plain clothes patrol as part of a initiative to protect women and girls from assaults, immediately intervened to stop the violence.
The Quinns then turned their aggression toward the officer, repeatedly stamping on him while he was on the ground before strangling him. The attack left PC Davis with a broken lower leg, multiple fractures, and damage to one eye that required extensive medical treatment.
Family Involvement and Court Sentencing
During the violent incident, Richard Quinn's wife Carolynn also assaulted PC Davis' colleagues who responded to the scene. She was subsequently convicted on two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
At Hereford Crown Court on February 20, 2026, Richard Quinn received a prison sentence of four years and three months after being convicted of assault causing grievous bodily harm against PC Davis and a separate assault charge. His son Alex Quinn was sentenced to three years and ten months in a young offenders' institution for the same offences.
Officer's Ongoing Trauma and Recovery
Following the sentencing hearing, PC Davis revealed the profound physical and psychological impact of the attack that continues to affect his life nearly two years later. "This horrific attack changed who I am," the officer stated. "I have struggled with PTSD ever since and have suffered recurrent flashbacks to the events of that night."
The officer described spending 21 months recovering from what he called a "cowardly and brutal attack" and acknowledged he still faces more recovery time as he slowly rebuilds his life. "Their actions have put me through so much physical and mental pain, and I really don't recognise the person I was before it happened," PC Davis added.
Broader Implications for Emergency Workers
PC Davis emphasized that no emergency worker should expect to experience such violence while performing their duties. Despite the trauma, he expressed gratitude toward his colleagues, West Mercia Police, and the Police Federation for their ongoing support throughout his recovery journey.
The case highlights the dangers faced by police officers and emergency workers who intervene in violent situations, with PC Davis noting that the perpetrators showed no remorse for their actions that left him "fearful to go out" and fundamentally altered his identity.
