A violent drug dealer who knocked a senior Met police officer unconscious during a street attack has been found guilty of assault.
Ayoub Benhammwu, 22, of Lisson Grove, St John’s Wood, was found guilty of committing actual bodily harm (ABH) along with two counts of possession with intent to supply.
During the Isleworth Crown Court trial a jury heard how PC Paul Maher and Det Supt Raffaele D’Orsi, acting borough commander of Kensington and Chelsea police, were on patrol in Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, on August 6 2016 when events unfolded.
The officers spotted Benhammwu – who had arrived at the scene on a moped – peering through the window of a flat and acting suspiciously.
Benhammwu fled on foot after the officers challenged him with Det Supt D’Orsi chasing him through the streets whilst PC Maher followed behind in a police car.
Det Supt D’Orsi eventually caught up with Benhammwu at the junction of Arundel Gardens and Ladbroke Grove.
In the ensuing struggle Benhammwu kicked Det Supt D’Orsi three times – dislocating his shoulder and knocking him unconscious – before he was stopped by PC Maher, firearms officers and brave members of the public who had stepped in to help.
When officers later searched Benhammwu herbal cannabis and cannabis resin were found.
Speaking after the trial on Monday, January 8 – during which members of the public who witnessed the horrific attack gave evidence – Det Supt D’Orsi said: “I would like to thank those members of the community, my local colleagues and specialist trained firearms officers who came to my aid when I was kicked unconscious during this attack.
“Policing is very much about working with communities to reduce harm. I know that had it not been for the help of members of the community, PC Maher might not have detained Benhammwu, a moped enabled violent drug dealer.
“I am also very grateful for those public witnesses who came forward to give evidence of the attack I was subjected to; without their brave evidence justice may not have been secured,” he added.
Benhammwu was arrested and charged on August 8, 2016. He is due to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on February 16.
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