Man convicted of attempted murder after stabbing officer with scissors

A man who inflicted 23 stab wounds on a police officer using a pair of scissors has been found guilty of attempted murder. Robert Jenner assaulted PC Sean Quinn in June 2023, leaving him with a severe laceration across his forehead that exposed his skull. Officers had visited Mr. Jenner’s flat in Maidstone, Kent, following suspicions that he had been running naked in a nearby park, exposing himself to women. Mr. Jenner had pleaded not guilty to both attempted murder and wounding with intent but was convicted after a trial held at Maidstone Crown Court. The court was informed that Mr. Jenner believed it was his right as a naturist to not wear clothes. He had 11 prior convictions for exposure. Jurors heard that he had been released from prison just two days before the assault, having violated an order prohibiting him from wearing see-through clothing. When police arrived at his flat on 15 June 2023, he refused them entry and barricaded himself inside using a sofa. Police bodycam footage showed officers forcing their way in and attempting to incapacitate him with pepper spray. As PC Quinn gained access, Mr. Jenner lunged at him, repeatedly stabbing him in the head, face, and neck with the scissors. Another officer, PC Ashley Bates, stated she would never forget hearing the “cry of anguish” as her colleague was attacked. Ms. Bates recounted that Mr. Jenner only released the scissors after she struck him five or six times on the back of his head. The prosecution at Maidstone Crown Court argued that, given the severity of his actions, Mr. Jenner must have been trying to end PC Quinn’s life. The defense contended that Mr. Jenner had acted in self-defense against what he perceived as an unlawful arrest or unauthorized entry into his flat and did not intend to kill or seriously injure PC Quinn. Mr. Jenner was not present in court for the verdict and had declined to attend the trial. Members of PC Quinn’s family were seen weeping upon hearing the guilty verdict. PC Quinn has, to date, been unable to return to work, but Kent Police indicated it was “offering support to allow him to get back to the job he loves.” Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon stated: “Jenner carried out a sustained and savage attack which lasted more than 20 seconds and has led to some of the worst injuries to a police officer I have ever seen. It is only by pure chance that none of these injuries proved to be fatal.”