A man was today 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 that the public and public servants must be protected from you."

Richards, of West Paddock Court, 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 at their trial 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 had picked the three men up as police searched for them but ordered them out of her car after driving them only a few yards once she realised that they were involved.

The judge ordered her to complete a 180-hour community punishment order.

Cole picked the three men up that night and drove them to the Downs, near Durrington, to hide.

She went back later that day for them and 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 that James Richards should not be eligible for a parole review for at least six years.