When Haddadi was taken to custody, officers found another smaller switch blade knife hidden down his trousers (Picture: Met Police)

A man who elbowed an officer in the face after being found with a hunting knife in his hooded top during a stop and search has been sentenced.

Hamza Haddadi, 19, of Buttermere Close, Leyton, admitted to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, two counts of possession of an offensive weapon, and criminal damage.

He was sentenced to 14 months’ detainment at a young offenders’ institution at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 5 June.

On the afternoon of Friday, 17 May, officers from the Leytonstone Safer Neighbourhood Team were carrying out a proactive search and drug dog operation at Leytonstone underground station.


They stopped Haddadi on the eastbound tube platform.

During a stop and search operation, a large hunting knife was found in Haddadi’s hooded top (Picture: Met Police)

Haddadi was initially compliant, but appeared agitated. During the search, carried out by Sergeant David Johns and PC Sam Mason, Sergeant Johns opened the zips to his hooded top and saw the handle of a large hunting knife.



At that point Haddadi tried to flee, as the doors to a train that had pulled into the platform opened.

Officers kept hold of him, but Haddadi resisted and elbowed Sergeant Johns in the face, knocking off his glasses.

He was brought to the floor and handcuffed. A number of officers also suffered minor injuries as a result of the scuffle.

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In custody, Haddadi was searched and officers found another smaller switch blade knife hidden down his trousers.

Superintendent Ian Brown, of the North East Area Command, attended the hearing to support the officers. He said: ‘This is a stark reminder of the kind of behaviour Met officers have to deal with on a daily basis.

‘Police officers should be able to go about their jobs without fear of assault, but sadly this is not the reality.

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‘The body worn video was important evidence. It showed how quickly the situation escalated, and how the officers detained an aggressive suspect without endangering the public, whilst remaining calm and composed throughout.

‘The court rightly acknowledged the bravery and the professionalism of the officers, with the Judge stating the seriousness with which assaults on officers are viewed.

This is a fine example of how we are taking knives and offenders off the streets, and protecting the public.’

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