TWO men and two youths have pleaded guilty to their part in a vicious attack on an off-duty police officer who was stabbed after confronting a gang of youths.
PC David Myers, 31, a Metropolitan police officer, was visiting relatives in Hartlepool in July last year when he spotted a group of youths tampering with cars.
PC Myers, a single man, went to talk to the youths and was attacked with a weapon, then left in a pool of blood as the gang fled on foot. He needed emergency surgery after the assault on July 15 2002.
At Teesside Crown Court today Graham Hull, 21, of Whitfield Drive, Hartlepool pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, violent disorder and attempted theft.
John Ponting, 23, of Ashgrove Avenue, Hartlepool pleaded guilty to affray.
Two 16-year-old youths, both of Hartlepool, had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder for their involvement.
The case was adjourned for reports. Ponting was released on conditional bail and Hull was remanded in custody. The two youths were released on bail.
PC Myers, who was awaiting transfer to Cleveland Police at the time of the attack, was visiting his widowed mother Dorothy in Marlborough Street, Hartlepool when he was stabbed.
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