"they were ready to resort to the use of knives"
Two brothers from Sandwell have been jailed for violently attacking two police officers.
Parminder Hunjan and Maninder Hunjan were found guilty of wounding PC Leon Mittoo and PC James Willetts during the violence at New Square Shopping Centre, West Bromwich, on July 21, 2021.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that the officers were patrolling the shopping centre when they spotted the brothers wearing thick coats and carrying large backpacks in the summer.
When the officers tried to carry out stop checks, the brothers attacked them with knives.
The brothers were disarmed and restrained after a struggle in which both officers sustained minor cuts.
Inside their backpacks was an arsenal of weapons, including a machete and imitation gun.
The brothers were cleared of attempted murder but were convicted of wounding with intent and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Judge Michael Chambers QC said: “There is nothing about this case that suggests that there is a terrorism context or motivation.
“Nor does the prosecution contend that. I sentence on that basis.
“However, I have full regard in the case of you Parminder Hunjan that you were in possession of a rucksack carrying an arsenal of criminal weapons in conjunction with your brother with the intention to carry out criminal purpose of a violent nature.”
He made a forfeiture and destruction order for the weapons seized.
The judge added: “Can I pass on my thanks to the officers who have behaved in the bravest way, in the best traditions of West Midlands Police.”
Parminder Hunjan, aged 37, was jailed for 10 years with an extended licence period of four years.
Maninder Hunjan, aged 26, was jailed for eight years with an extended licence period of four years.
Judge Chambers made compensation orders for cash seized from the men with orders of £2,968 in favour of PC Mittoo and £2,320 in favour of PC Willetts.
After sentencing, Douglas Marshall of the CPS said:
“It is not clear why Parminder and Maninder Hunjan reacted with such ferocity when approached by the officers last summer, but what is apparent is that they were ready to resort to the use of knives at a moment’s notice.
“Regardless, the officers unhesitatingly put themselves in harm’s way and through their brave actions the pair were disarmed.
“PCs Mittoo and Willetts suffered relatively minor wounds as a result of their actions.
“But given the arsenal of weapons the brothers were carrying, the potential outcome could have been much worse.”
“Today shows not only that carrying knives will not be condoned, but that violent acts against those whose job it is to protect the public will result in significant prison sentences.”
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