Jail term increased for Roma man who stabbed police officer during call-out
Jamie Humphrey received a commendation from the Police Commissioner after being stabbed. (Supplied: Queensland Police Union of Employees)
In short
A man convicted of multiple offences, including domestic violence and stabbing a police officer, has had his sentence extended after an appeal by Queensland's attorney-general.
The man's eligibility for parole was extended by nine and a half months.
What's next?
The Queensland Police Union will advocate for the Queensland government to introduce mandatory minimum sentencing for offenders who harm police.
A man who punctured the lung of a police officer with a pair of scissors during a domestic violence call-out has had his jail sentence increased after a successful appeal by Queensland's attorney‑general.
The Queensland Court of Appeal today ruled the original Roma District Court sentence of six and a half years in jail was "manifestly inadequate" and increased it to eight years and 315 days.
The court also extended the date when the man will be eligible for parole by nine and a half months, changing it from November 6, 2026, to August 21, 2027.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stabbed Constable Jamie Humphrey in the ribs during a domestic violence incident in Roma, about five and a half hours west of Brisbane, in September 2024.
Constable Humphrey was taken to the Roma Hospital with life-threatening injuries before being flown to Brisbane.
Constable Jamie Humphrey was stabbed in 2024. (Supplied: Queensland Police Union of Employees)
He has since recovered, is back at work and has received a police commendation.
The man was later convicted of domestic violence assault, malicious act with intent, escaping lawful custody and three counts of serious assault.
He pleaded guilty to all six charges in the Roma District Court in July 2025.
In handing down the original sentence, Judge Dennis Lynch KC took into account the man's early guilty plea, mental health disorder diagnosis, drug addiction and intoxication at the time of the offences.
However, both the Queensland Police Union and the Attorney‑General Deb Frecklington signalled their concerns about the sentence.
Deb Frecklington ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions to file the appeal weeks after the original sentence was handed down. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
Ms Frecklington asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to lodge an appeal in August of 2025.
Two of the three Court of Appeal judges today agreed the sentence was "manifestly inadequate", citing the seriousness of the offending, the man's history as a mature‑aged recidivist offender and the lack of remorse.
Justices John Bond and Susan Brown said the intervention was necessary to "establish and to maintain adequate standards of sentence".
However, Court of Appeal President Justice Debra Mullins dissented, finding that the original sentence was "lenient" but did not meet the threshold of manifestly inadequate.
Decision welcomed
Ms Frecklington welcomed the ruling and said her thoughts were with the victims.
"As a result of today's decision, the offender will now serve an additional nine months before becoming eligible for parole," she said.
Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior said he was "happier" with the new sentence.
Shane Prior said the original sentence in no way matched the expectations of the community or his members. (ABC News)
"This shows what can be achieved when the government is prepared to accept advice and backup police," he said.
Mr Prior said Constable Humphrey was in high spirits and appreciated the support.
"I share his thoughts though that police are frustrated with how the judiciary do not sentence offenders appropriately for when they assault police in this job," he said.
Mr Prior said his organisation would continue to lobby the government to implement mandatory minimum sentencing for those who assaulted or harmed police in Queensland.