PC thought she was going to die in balcony attack
BBCA police officer who thought she was "going to die" after nearly being thrown from a first-floor balcony said she was simply trying to do her job.
PC Alice Beer of Devon and Cornwall Police was attacked by Guy Pottle after officers attended a property on Drake Road, Newton Abbot, on 10 February following reports of an assault on a woman.
Pottle, of no fixed abode, Exeter, hit Beer with a glass vodka bottle before trying to push her over railings after she tried to stop him from jumping from a balcony.
The 39-year-old who pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding was jailed for 10-and-a-half years plus a further five years on licence at Exeter Crown Court.
Devon and Cornwall PoliceThe court heard Beer, who had been a police officer for less than a year, was punched multiple times before Pottle jumped from the balcony and was arrested.
Beer was treated in hospital for a large cut over her right eye, multiple smaller cuts to her face as well as bruising and scratches to her neck and arms.
Pottle told police he had drunk 1.5 litres (2.6 pints) of vodka before the attack.
Since returning to work, Beer said the incident had continued to affect her in all aspects of her life, especially while working.
"When I was looking down at the ground, my only thought was 'I'm going to die'," she said.
"I was simply trying to do my job, attempting to ensure no one came to any harm and I was met with such violence.
"I feel that this is something I will never truly fully process and I hope that no one in my position ever has to go through such an event."
Ch Supt Roy Linden said Beer's actions and bravery "cannot be underestimated".
"Her response to this has been quite simply humbling and she has vowed not to let this incident define her career," Linden said.
His Honour Judge Patrick, Recorder of Exeter, also commended the officer's bravery.
While sentencing Pottle, the judge described him as "an extremely dangerous man".
