A police officer has spoken of his relief after a man who stabbed him in the back was told he faces life in jail.

PC Gary Thompson said: "It has been a very emotional time but I am glad that we can now begin to get on with our lives again."

His wife Tania hugged him on the steps at Lewes Crown Court after a jury found James Richards guilty of attempted murder, aggravated burglary and conspiracy to assault.

The judge described Richards as "an extremely dangerous man" and remanded him in custody, telling him he faced a life sentence.

Richards used an 8in kitchen knife to stab PC Thompson twice, puncturing one of his kidneys and causing potentially life-threatening injuries.

The Thompsons, who have two young children, had sat together throughout the trial.

Mrs Thompson had watched anxiously as her husband relived the moment that almost claimed his life.

She said the brush with death had made their marriage stronger.

She said: "It has been a very emotional time for us but we have come through it together. There were times when I could see Gary was struggling and needed help - it has been a difficult time."

PC Thompson paid tribute to his wife, saying: "She has got me through this and I would not have been able to do it without her.

"I still remember very clearly what happened that night. It has left physical and mental scars which will take some time to get over."

PC Thompson's ordeal began when he attended a flat in Rock Close, Southwick, with colleague PC John Gatland after reports of a break-in on June 29 last year.

Richards, 35, of West Paddock Court, Northampton, had gone to the flat, occupied by Simon Cowley, at 1am.

With him were his son, Jonathan Richards, 17, of Wilmot Court, Shoreham, and Shaun Kelly, 18, of Church Green, Shoreham.

James Richards believed Mr Cowley was responsible for attacking Kelly and stealing cannabis worth £70 from him.

Kelly and Jonathan Richards were found guilty of conspiracy to assault Mr Cowley and aggravated burglary.

Kelly's mother Mandy Stephenson, 41, and her friend, Lynda Cole, 30, both of Church Green, Shoreham, were found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

In 1996, James Richards was jailed for seven years for firearms and blackmail offences. He had been released on licence when the stabbing happened.

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall told him: "The mandatory sentence of that and the current offence is one of life imprisonment."

All five will appear for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on May 27. James Richards was remanded in custody and the others were bailed.

Mandy Stephenson said as she left court: "The only thing I was guilty of that night was trying to help my son."

The others refused to comment.