Fantasist told police he had 'stabbed a woman in the head' in Nottingham city centre

A man who rang police to claim he had just stabbed a woman in the head has been jailed. Joshua Gittins, 23, was arrested on April 4 this year after telling officers over the phone that he had stabbed a woman on Exchange Row, Nottingham city centre.

In reality he had struck the woman on the forehead with what is believed to be the handle of the blade. The victim, a woman aged in the 30s, sustained bruising in the attack but was otherwise unharmed.

Gittins was arrested in Long Row a short time later and a knife was seized. He later pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

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Joshua Gittins, 23, of no fixed address (Nottinghamshire Police)

Gittins, of no fixed address, also admitted to a charge of wasting police time, relating to an incident on March 6 when he falsely claimed that somebody was carrying a gun. Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday, July 13 he was jailed for a total of 18 months.

PC Simon Zacharia, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The message here really couldn’t be clearer. If you take a knife out in public or lie to the police then the consequences can be very serious for you. We will prosecute you and you could very well end up in prison.

“I am pleased Gittins has now been held to account for his actions and hope this case also serves as a warning to others.”

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