A policeman left seriously injured after a criminal smashed him in the face with a brick has been left “disgusted” after his attacker was released from prison just days after being sentenced.
PC Conor McIntyre was left bloodied, bruised, and severely concussed following a brutal, unprovoked attack in Lancaster, Lancashire, by serial offender George Jacob. Jacob, 42, of no fixed address, was jailed for 20 months at Preston Crown Court after admitting Section 20 wounding, assault on a police officer, and criminal damage. However, PC McIntyre was dismayed to learn that Jacob walked free just 16 days later.
The seven-year police veteran, a husband and father, along with the Lancashire Police Federation, has strongly criticised the early release and questioned the deterrent for assaults on officers. The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment.
Officer's Ordeal
PC McIntyre said: “This news was a real kick in the teeth. It has added insult to my injuries. This disgusting decision has given me no confidence in the justice system.”
“I love my job and I’m good at it, but this incident has caused me to re-evaluate my career as a constable.”
Horrifying CCTV footage captured the moment Jacob hurled a brick at the police car window during a routine stop on November 22, 2025, causing the glass to explode. Jacob then fled on foot. Shocking bodycam and ambulance footage showed PC McIntyre’s blood-covered face and uniform, with cuts to his face, two chipped teeth, and glass embedded in his skin.
He suffered a severe concussion and had to activate his emergency button. Colleagues arrived quickly, but he has little memory of the immediate aftermath. He was hospitalised, signed off work, and later returned to restricted then frontline duties. Thankfully, his eye was not permanently damaged, but he still bears facial scars and needs further dental work.
Victim Impact
In a victim impact statement, PC McIntyre described Jacob as “spineless” and said the attack had left him questioning whether the risks were worth it for his wife and young daughter.
“I want to help people and protect victims, but when my safety is put on the line and my ability to provide for my family is jeopardised by such a cowardly act, it has made me feel like it’s no longer worth it,” he said.
Jacob had 70 previous offences on his record. He was sentenced to 15 months plus time already served on remand. Detective Inspector Adie Knowles had described the assault as “not and never will be acceptable.”
Despite efforts by Lancashire Police to prevent the early release, Jacob was freed under the Home Detention Curfew scheme after just 16 days.
Federation Response
PC McIntyre added: “The force and the Federation have been brilliant, but that length of sentence is not much of a deterrent for a serial offender.” Last year in Lancashire alone, 389 police officers were assaulted. Across the UK, the figure reached 48,888, according to the Lancashire Police Federation.
Martin Midgley, chair of the Federation, said: “There needs to be a clear message that officers should not be assaulted just for doing their jobs. We need to protect our protectors and provide a visible deterrent. To feel let down by the criminal justice system on top of the physical and mental impact is terrible. If you assault a police officer, there should be no early release.”
Last night, the Ministry of Defence contested the number of days Jacob was released following his sentencing. However it could not provide an accurate figure. A spokesperson for the MOJ said: "Assaults against police officers who put themselves in danger to keep us safe day in day out are unacceptable and offenders should expect to face time behind bars. Anyone released into Home Detention Curfew faces strict licence conditions and must be tagged. Those who break the rules can be returned to prison."
