HE smirked when police took his photograph – and he was still smiling when a judge sentenced him to 22 years in jail for trying to kill a policeman. But the reality for Blake Tracey, 39, is that he will be a lot older when he is released from prison. Trac

HE smirked when police took his photograph - and he was still smiling when a judge sentenced him to 22 years in jail for trying to kill a policeman.

But the reality for Blake Tracey, 39, is that he will be a lot older when he is released from prison.

Tracey, formerly of Pound Road, Chatteris, is beginning his marathon sentence after being jailed for an unprovoked knife attack on a Cambridgeshire policeman.

Tracey, and his accomplice Darren Wisby, 32, who also received 22 years, had been stopped by dog handler Pc John Griffiths near shops in Histon Road, Cambridge, 18 months ago.

Pc Griffiths recognised Wisby as someone police wanted to question in connection with other charges but before the officer could arrest him they lashed out with knives.

So savage were the blows that the blades of the knives used on the policeman became twisted.

Pc Griffiths "received multiple stab wounds to his head, to his neck, to his chest and his back", said Det Chief Insp Jeff Hill.

Although a stab-proof vest offered some protection "they attacked him with such force that a blade went through his leg - the knife actually went through his calf muscle and came out through his heel".

Wisbey was soon arrested but it was three weeks before police arrested Tracey, who was formerly known as Robert Blake. Tracey had fled to Cornwall but after a police alert was arrested near Bude.

Both men were found guilty of attempted murder in December and sentence had been postponed until Friday at Norwich Crown Court.

As the pair were led from the dock, they smiled and laughed to each other.

Meanwhile, Pc Griffiths is endeavouring to return to normal duties. He said the level of violence used was difficult for him to come to terms with him and the events of that day "will stay with me forever.