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Sex Offender Jailed for Life After Premeditated Stabbing Attack on Preston Probation Officer A convicted sex offender has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years for the attempted murder of probation officer Natasha Thorpe during a scheduled appointment in Preston. Ryan Gee, 35, of no fixed abode, launched the vicious attack on 22-07-25 at the Pavilions probation office in Ashton-on-Ribble, armed with two large kitchen knives and a BB gun imitation firearm hidden in his rucksack. Gee, who had a prior conviction in April 2023 for causing a child under 13 to watch a sexual act and escaping custody – resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence – harboured a deep grudge against the probation service. He wrongly blamed staff for his repeated failures to comply with sentences, spells in prison, and homelessness, having been sleeping rough in a tent in Burnley despite new accommodation being arranged. During the meeting with Ms Thorpe, 32, a mother-of-two, and a male colleague, Gee suddenly produced the weapons and stabbed her multiple times in the chest, shoulder, under the armpit, and stomach. He chased her into the reception area, inflicting further wounds before colleagues helped her to safety. Gee then held a female receptionist hostage, pointing the imitation firearm at her head while assuring her he would not harm her, and left a letter blaming another probation officer for his actions. A notebook detailing his vengeful thoughts towards the service was also recovered. Armed police arrived within minutes, arresting Gee after he defiantly told them they would have to shoot him. Officers provided emergency first aid to Ms Thorpe, who underwent extensive surgery and spent six weeks in hospital, being discharged on 02-09-25. At Liverpool Crown Court on 12-01-26, Gee pleaded guilty to attempted murder, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, false imprisonment, threatening another with an offensive weapon, and two counts of possessing a bladed article. In a powerful victim personal statement, Ms Thorpe described the ongoing trauma: “I play the events of that day continuously over and over in my head, on a constant loop that I cannot escape from. It consumes me. I find myself catastrophising every situation, constantly scanning rooms for exits in case I need to escape. What was once ordinary now feels unsafe.” Martin Hill, Senior District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Projecting his anger at his own situation towards probation staff, he attempted to murder a probation officer and threatened two other staff members in this terrifying attack on public servants going about their duties. The long-lasting physical and emotional impact of Gee’s attack cannot be overstated.” Detective Inspector Manny Acheampong of Preston CID praised the rapid police response and added: “She was entitled to feel safe in her work environment, but Ryan Gee chose to arm himself... and launch the attack.” Do you believe enough is being done to protect probation officers and other public servants from violent offenders they supervise? Share your thoughts in the comments.