A man has been jailed for life for attempting to murder a policeman.

James Richards stabbed PC Gary Thompson twice in the back with a carving knife, slicing into one of his kidneys.

The officer was attacked as he and colleague PC John Gatland arrived to investigate a disturbance at flats in Rock Close, Southwick, in the early hours of June 29 last year.

Richards, 35, had previous convictions for armed robbery, blackmail and aggravated burglary, Lewes Crown Court heard.

He was on licence from a seven-year prison sentence for the armed robbery when he stabbed PC Thompson.

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall told Richards: "You attempted to murder PC Thompson as he and his colleague were doing no more than their duty. You have a dreadful record for offences of violence.

"I am satisfied you are a violent and very dangerous man and the public and public servants must be protected from you."

Richards, from Northampton, went to the flat of Simon Cowley to sort out a dispute over drugs. His son Jonathan Richards, now 18, and Shaun Kelly, 18, both of Wilmott Court, Shoreham, went with him.

Cowley was beaten by James Richards, who also stole property from the flat. His son and Kelly did not take part in the attack.

All three men were found guilty last month of aggravated burglary and conspiracy to assault Mr Cowley.

Kelly was sentenced to a total of 18 months in a young offenders' institute for both charges and Jonathan Richards was given a detention and training order totalling 18 months.

Mandy Stephenson, 41, and Lynda Cole, 30, both of Church Green, Shoreham, were both convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Stephenson picked up the three men as police searched for them but ordered them out of her car.

The judge gave her a 180-hour community punishment order.

Cole drove the three to an area of the Downs, near Durrington, to hide, then drove them to London. She was jailed for four months by Judge Scott-Gall.

PCs Thompson and Gatland were in the packed court to see the defendants sentenced.

Judge Scott-Gall recommended James Richards should not be eligible for a parole review for at least six years.

Police today welcomed the sentence.

They said it gave a tough message to anyone prepared to commit violent crimes.

Detective Chief Inspector Reg Hooke said: "Richards is a very dangerous man and it is good to see he has been taken off the streets for a very long time."

Sussex Police Federation chairman, Graham Alexander, said: "It is about time the courts began to use their full powers when sentencing.

"Gary Thompson is a very lucky young man who has endeared himself to a lot of people with his determination to get back to work as quickly as he could.

"Unfortunately, we have a knife culture in our society today. What happened to Gary is a consequence of that. People all too easily arm themselves with knives or other weapons and they need to know the consequences."

Sussex Police Chief Constable, Ken Jones, is expected to officially recognise the bravery of the two officers.

He will have lunch with them and an announcement of a formal commendation for their actions is expected.